California Assembly Bill AB2568

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/20
• Refer: 3/12/20

Caption

Disaster preparedness: local government: animal wildfire evacuation plan.

Impact

If enacted, AB 2568 would require local governments to take an active role in disaster preparedness specifically concerning animals housed in kennels. By compelling kennel owners to create evacuation plans, the bill aims to ensure these plans are in place and readily available for implementation during an emergency, thereby minimizing potential harm to animals and enhancing overall community resilience against natural calamities.

Summary

Assembly Bill 2568, introduced by Assembly Member Maienschein, aims to enhance disaster preparedness at the local level by mandating that cities or counties requiring kennel licenses or permits ensure that kennel owners submit an animal natural disaster evacuation plan. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve coordination among emergency response agencies and ensure the safety of animals during natural disasters, particularly in regions susceptible to wildfires. The legislation emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to safeguard pets and other animals during emergencies.

Contention

One notable aspect of AB 2568 is the provision regarding reimbursement for local agencies. The bill explicitly states that no state reimbursement will be required for costs incurred as a result of this new mandate. This could lead to concerns among local governments regarding the financial implications of implementing the evacuation plans, as they will need to develop the necessary resources to meet this requirement without additional state funding. Opponents may argue that such unfunded mandates can strain local budgets and resources.