Bill > AB591

This bill aims to enhance emergency response capabilities by explicitly including public works resources in California's mutual aid framework. The legislation modifies existing law to clarify that the state Legislature intends to facilitate the provision of public works personnel, equipment, and materials during emergencies, in addition to other forms of aid. Specifically, the bill requires the Office of Emergency Services (OES) to develop a Public Works Emergency Mutual Aid Plan in consultation with local and state public works agencies, ensuring a systematic and efficient mobilization of public works resources during emergencies. The bill also updates language in the Government Code to specify that outside aid during a state of war emergency or state of emergency shall include public works resources. Recognizing that this new requirement could impose additional costs on local agencies, the bill includes a provision that if the Commission on State Mandates determines the act creates state-mandated local program costs, those costs will be reimbursed according to existing statutory procedures. This legislation is designed to improve coordination and resource sharing during emergency situations, particularly focusing on the critical role of public works in disaster response and recovery efforts.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB591