Bill > SB451

This bill mandates that by January 1, 2027, all peace officers in Georgia must complete specialized training on how to evacuate individuals with disabilities during emergencies, covering topics like understanding different disabilities, effective communication, safe evacuation methods, necessary equipment, service animal rights, and cultural competency, with the training program developed in collaboration with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) and disability experts. Additionally, the bill establishes a voluntary and confidential statewide registry managed by GEMA for individuals with disabilities who might need assistance during emergencies, allowing them to create personalized evacuation and transportation plans with local first responders, and this registry's information will be accessible only to first responders. The bill also requires the Department of Human Services to identify and designate accessible emergency shelters that meet federal accessibility standards and are equipped with features like accessible restrooms, power outlets for medical devices, communication aids, trained personnel, accessible transportation, and accommodations for service animals, ensuring that visually impaired individuals are not separated from their service animals. Emergency transportation providers will need to establish procedures for safely transporting individuals with disabilities to accessible shelters using accessible vehicles and trained personnel, and for returning them home after the emergency, with GEMA leading coordination efforts through a task force that includes representatives from various state agencies and consults with disability nonprofit organizations. Importantly, the implementation of these provisions is contingent upon appropriations from the General Assembly, and individuals or entities acting in good faith under this article are granted immunity from liability.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72740