(a) The commission shall

(1) recommend goals and priorities for seismic hazard mitigation to the public and private sectors;

(2) recommend policies to the governor and the legislature, including needed research, mapping, and monitoring programs;

(3) offer advice on coordinating disaster preparedness and seismic hazard mitigation activities of government at all levels, review the practices for recovery and reconstruction after a major earthquake, and recommend improvements to mitigate losses from similar future events;

(4) gather, analyze, and disseminate information of general interest on seismic hazard mitigation;

(5) establish and maintain necessary working relationships with other public and private agencies;

(6) review predictions and warnings issued by the federal government, research institutions, and other organizations and persons and suggest appropriate responses at the state and local levels; and

(7) review proposed seismic hazard notifications and supporting information from state agencies, evaluate possible socioeconomic consequences, recommend that the governor issue formal seismic hazard notifications when appropriate, and advise state and local agencies of appropriate responses.

(b) The commission may

(1) advise the governor and the legislature on disaster preparedness and seismic hazard mitigation and on budgets for those activities and may recommend legislation or policies to improve disaster preparedness or seismic hazard mitigation;

(2) conduct public hearings;

(3) appoint committees from its membership and appoint external advisory committees of ex-officio members; and

(4) accept grants, contributions, and appropriations from public agencies, private foundations, and individuals.