Office of Emergency Services: disaster programs.
The bill mandates that the Office of Emergency Services distribute the funds by June 31, 2018, to qualified charitable organizations that implement regional disaster preparedness and response programs. These initiatives are required to include educational components aimed at informing community members about the risks associated with disasters and fostering collaboration with local coalitions. Furthermore, the legislation emphasizes the importance of promoting multilingual capabilities in disaster preparedness materials and training, ensuring accessibility for all community members.
Assembly Bill 871, introduced by Assembly Member Santiago, seeks to enhance disaster preparedness and response within underserved communities in California. It aims to appropriate $3,000,000 from the General Fund to the Office of Emergency Services for current disaster programs focused on vulnerable areas that may be at risk from earthquakes, fires, and other disasters. The funding is intended to support initiatives that improve community resiliency, particularly through education and the empowerment of volunteers to assist in disaster response efforts.
The sentiment surrounding AB 871 is largely positive, especially among advocates of disaster preparedness and community support programs. Proponents argue that the bill addresses a critical gap in emergency preparedness for underserved neighborhoods, enhancing their capacity to respond to natural disasters. Skeptics express concerns regarding the efficacy of distributing large sums of money to nonprofits and question the continuity of funding for these crucial programs after the initial appropriation.
Notable points of contention include debates on the definitions of 'underserved' and 'qualified charitable organizations,' which could influence the distribution of funds. Critics worry that the bill's reliance on charitable organizations may complicate accountability and assessment of effectiveness in building community resiliency. Furthermore, there are discussions regarding the potential for disparities in funding allocation based on the varying capabilities of community organizations to fulfill the bill's requirements.