BILL NUMBER: AB 2002 CHAPTERED 09/11/02 CHAPTER 460 FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 11, 2002 APPROVED BY GOVERNOR SEPTEMBER 11, 2002 PASSED THE ASSEMBLY AUGUST 15, 2002 PASSED THE SENATE AUGUST 12, 2002 AMENDED IN SENATE JUNE 25, 2002 AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MAY 23, 2002 AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MARCH 21, 2002 INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Alquist FEBRUARY 15, 2002 An act to add Article 8.5 (commencing with Section 8601) to Chapter 7 of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code, relating to emergency services. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 2002, Alquist. Urban search and rescue emergency response advisory committee. Existing law generally sets forth the duties of the Seismic Safety Commission, in overseeing various emergency response activities in the state relating to earthquake hazard reduction and prediction. This bill would require the Seismic Safety Commission, in consultation with the Director of Emergency Services, to establish an urban search and rescue emergency response advisory committee to prepare and submit to the commission chairperson a strategy, plan, and recommendations for addressing the resource needs of emergency urban search and rescue units. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (a) The ability of emergency response agencies, particularly those operating under mutual-aid agreements, to respond expeditiously and effectively during disaster situations is critical to saving lives and preserving property. (b) In cooperation with federal governmental agencies, urban search and rescue units have been formed and maintained throughout the state. (c) The urban search and rescue units may have first-responder responsibilities in situations involving natural and manmade disasters occurring in California. (d) To maintain an effective response capability, there is a need for a coordinated planning strategy to address the ongoing resource needs of emergency response agencies, including urban search and rescue units. (e) The emergency response equipment being utilized by many local agencies is aging, and less effective than newer equipment being developed and made available to local emergency response agencies. (f) Emerging technological advances are continuing to develop emergency response equipment that is effective and efficient, yet costly to local government agencies. (g) It is necessary for the state, as part of the statewide mutual-aid agreement and arrangements, and in the interest of protecting the lives and property of its residents, to assist local agencies with the planning resources that will enable mutual-aid units to maximize their effectiveness in responding to and managing emergencies faced by the state and by local and regional communities. SEC. 2. Article 8.5 (commencing with Section 8601) is added to Chapter 7 of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code, to read: Article 8.5. Urban Search and Rescue Emergency Response Advisory Committee 8601. (a) Using existing budgetary resources, the Seismic Safety Commission, in consultation with the Director of Emergency Services, shall establish an urban search and rescue emergency response advisory committee, which, in addition to the commission, may include representatives of organizations including, but not limited to, at the commission chairperson's discretion, the California Fire Chiefs Association, the Fire Districts Association of California, the California Professional Firefighters, the California Department of Forestry Firefighters, the California State Firefighters Association, Inc., the California Police Chiefs' Association, the California Police Officers Association, the California State Sheriffs' Association, and the Peace Officer Research Association of California. (b) The advisory committee shall prepare and submit to the commission chairperson, on or before September 1, 2003, a strategy, plan, and recommendations for addressing the resource needs of emergency response urban search and rescue units.