(a) The division may employ or contract with temporary personnel from funds appropriated to the division, from federal funds, or from the disaster contingency fund. The merit system does not apply to the temporary or contract positions.
(b) The division may enroll, organize, train, and equip a cadre of disaster reservists with specialized skills in disaster recovery, hazard mitigation, community outreach, and public information to temporarily augment its permanent staff. The division may activate enrolled disaster reservists to support recovery operations in the aftermath of a disaster or major emergency and pay them at a daily rate commensurate with their qualifications and experience. Chapter 654, Chapter 2254, and Subtitle D, Title 10, do not apply in relation to a disaster reservist under this subsection.