State Emergency Plan: update.
The bill aims to enhance the state's ability to respond to emergencies, particularly those arising from forest fires, by ensuring the State Emergency Plan remains up-to-date more frequently. This is regarded as essential given California's increasing vulnerability to wildfires and natural disasters. By requiring updates every three years, the legislative intent is to improve preparedness and coordination among agencies involved in emergency services, potentially leading to more efficient responses during crisis situations.
AB 373, introduced by Assembly Member Seyarto, amends the California Emergency Services Act regarding the frequency of updates to the State Emergency Plan managed by the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). The bill changes the existing requirement for Cal OES to update the State Emergency Plan every five years to a new requirement of every three years, starting on January 1, 2024. Alongside this amendment, nonsubstantive changes are made to the provisions overseeing the duties of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in terms of fire prevention and control, thus reaffirming their responsibilities under the law.
The sentiment surrounding AB 373 appears to be generally supportive among legislators who recognize the necessity of timely updates to emergency plans in the wake of worsening climate conditions and increased public safety demands. Stakeholders in emergency management and forestry protection tend to view the bill positively, as it emphasizes ongoing evaluation and improvement of state emergency protocols. However, there may be concerns around the allocation of resources needed for these increased updates, which could lead to some apprehension among fiscal conservatives.
While AB 373 generally enjoys bipartisan support, discussions may arise regarding the implications of more frequent updates on funding and resource allocation within Cal OES and the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The operational efficiency in updating these plans and how it impacts other priorities within the agency could become points of contention, especially in terms of ensuring that adequate staff and resources are available to support these efforts.