BILL ANALYSIS
AB 2051
Page 1
Date of Hearing: April 21, 2010
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION
Joe Coto, Chair
AB 2051 (Tran) - As Introduced: February 18, 2010
SUBJECT : Emergency services: preparedness.
SUMMARY : Authorizes the California Emergency Management Agency
(Cal EMA) to prepare, in voluntary cooperation with specific
local governmental and nongovernmental entities, a specialized
plan to mobilize senior citizens and disabled individuals during
an emergency or natural disaster.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Establishes the California Emergency Management Act and
creates the California Emergency Management Agency within the
Office of the Governor through the merger of the Governor's
Office of Emergency Services and the Governor's Office of
Homeland Security.
2)Requires the California Emergency Management Agency to be
responsible for the state's emergency and disaster response
services, and requires state entities to cooperate with the
California Emergency Management Agency in carrying out its
duties.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown.
COMMENTS : This bill authorizes Cal EMA to voluntarily work
with local government and nongovernmental entities that provide
transportation services to senior citizens and disabled persons
and prepare a specialized plan to ensure that senior citizens
and disabled persons are provided with safe transfer to the
nearest designated emergency shelter centers.
According to the author, the law does not specifically, have a
plan tailored to senior citizens and disabled people during a
natural disaster or event. Author states, "Senior citizens and
disabled people are among those who are most at risk during a
natural disaster because of their limited mobility or non-mobile
status."
Author further notes, "Should a disaster strike, it is crucial
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for a plan to be in place to meet the needs of each community."
Author believes that this bill, a voluntary measure, will
facilitate a discussion and bring community leaders together so
that an efficient, effective plan can be established to ensure
the safety of as many citizens as possible.
Background . On June 23, 2009, Governor Schwarzenegger
promulgated the 2009 edition of the State of California
Emergency Plan. The plane outlines a state-level strategy to
support local government efforts during a large-scale emergency.
The plane describes methods of carrying out emergency
operations, the process for rendering mutual aid, emergency
services of governmental agencies, how resources are mobilized,
emergency public information, and continuity of government.
The plan is designed to outline the activities of all California
jurisdictions within a statewide emergency management system.
It embraces the capabilities and resources in the broader
emergency management community that includes individuals,
businesses, nongovernmental organizations, tribal governments,
other states, federal government, and international assistance.
In 2009, Cal EMA released its Five-Year Strategic Plan for
2010-2015 which further outlined its vision, mission, values,
goals, and objectives deemed critical to protecting lives and
property in California.
Emergency preparedness activities . Federal, state and local
government agencies and special districts participate in
Emergency preparedness exercises through the course of the year
with nongovernmental organizations to better prepare themselves
to serve the public. In fall 2009, the Great California
ShakeOut brought together interested stakeholders to conduct a
catastrophic earthquake scenario to see how various entities
work together. In addition to this activity, Cal EMA has
information titled " Tips for the Elderly " and a pamphlet that
is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red
Cross titled " Preparing for Disaster for People with
Disabilities and other Special Needs " that helps first
responders, medical staff, seniors, disabled individuals, and
their families become better prepared for a natural disaster.
Role of local governments under the State Emergency Plan .
According to the State of California Emergency Plan, local
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governments have ordinances that establish an emergency
organization and local disaster council. The ordinances provide
for the development of an emergency plan, establishing
responsibilities for emergency management operations and
specifying the officials authorized to proclaim a local
emergency. Those local governments that have a certified
disaster council are required to develop Emergency Operation
Plans for their jurisdiction that meet state and federal
requirements and are in accordance with Cal EMA Local Planning
Guidance .
When there is an immediate threat or actual emergency, local
governments implement emergency plans and take actions to
mitigate or reduce the emergency threat. Those actions may
include deploying field-level emergency response personnel and
activating emergency operations centers and issuing orders to
protect the public. All accessible and applicable local, state,
and federal resources will be committed to protect lives,
property, and the environment.
Role of special districts under the State Emergency Plan .
Special districts often have unique resources, capabilities, and
vulnerabilities. According to the State of California Emergency
Plan, special districts should be included in the activities as
an operational area lead in order to ensure that the needs of
residents are best met during an emergency. The
responsibilities may include deploying field-level emergency
response personnel and activating emergency operations centers
and issuing orders to protect the public.
Related legislation . AB 2791 (Committee on Governmental
Organization, 2010 Legislative Session) cleans up various
statutes to reflect the establishment of California Emergency
Management Agency. In Assembly Governmental Organization
Committee. Scheduled to be heard on April 21, 2010.
AB 38 (Nava, Chapter 372, Statutes of 2008) established the
California Emergency Management Agency under the Office of the
Governor by merging the Governor's Office of Emergency Services
and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
None on file
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Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by : Rod Brewer / G. O. / (916) 319-2531