Requires the parish office of homeland security and emergency preparedness to establish a voluntary registry of persons with special needs. (8/1/12)
The enactment of SB 700 is expected to significantly improve the efficacy of emergency management for people with special needs in Louisiana. By establishing a registry, local authorities can better plan and allocate resources to assist individuals who may face challenges during evacuations. The legislation also complements existing emergency preparedness protocols, ensuring that special needs populations are not overlooked in times of crisis, thereby enhancing inclusivity and safety.
Senate Bill 700, introduced by Senator Brown, mandates the parish office of homeland security and emergency preparedness to create a voluntary registry for individuals with special needs. This registry is particularly aimed at those who may require assistance during various types of evacuations, whether they are voluntary, advisory, mandatory, or forced. The bill was enacted to ensure that vulnerable populations are given necessary attention and help during emergencies, thereby enhancing overall public safety and preparedness within the state's emergency response framework.
The sentiment surrounding SB 700 appeared to be broadly supportive, particularly among advocates for individuals with disabilities and public safety organizations. The bill was viewed positively as a proactive measure to assist those who might struggle during emergency situations. By ensuring that special needs populations are recognized in emergency management plans, advocates believe this legislation could save lives and facilitate smoother evacuations during crises.
While no significant formal opposition was noted during the discussions surrounding SB 700, potential points of contention could center around the implementation of the voluntary registry. Concerns may arise regarding data privacy, the adequacy of outreach to register vulnerable individuals, and the sufficiency of resources furnished to ensure the registry effectively assists those in need. Additionally, questions might be raised about how this registry will integrate with existing emergency management systems.