Article 5 - Office of Emergency Services

California Government Code — §§ 8585-8589.7

Sections (55)

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 615, Sec. 152. (AB 474) Effective January 1, 2022. Operative January 1, 2023, pursuant to Sec. 463 of Stats. 2021, Ch. 615.

(a)(1) There is in state government, within the office of the Governor, the Office of Emergency Services. The Office of Emergency Services shall be under the supervision of the Director of Emergency Services, who shall have all rights and powers of a head of an office as provided by this code, and shall be referred to as the Director of Emergency Services.

(2)Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, whenever the term “California Emergency Management Agency” appears in any statute, regulation, or contract, or in any other code, it shall be construed to refer to the Office of Emergency Services, and whenever the term “Secretary of Emergency Management” or the “Secretary

of the Emergency Management Agency” appears in statute, regulation, or contract, or in any other code, it shall be construed to refer to the Director of Emergency Services.

(3)Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, whenever the term “Director of Homeland Security” or “Office of Homeland Security” appears in any statute, regulation, or contract, or in any other code, it shall be construed to refer to the Office of Emergency Services, and whenever the term “Director of Homeland Security” or “Director of the Office of Homeland Security” appears in any statute, regulation, or contract, or in any other code, it shall be construed to refer to the Director of Emergency Services.

(b)(1) The Office of Emergency Services and the Director of Emergency Services shall

succeed to and are vested with all the duties, powers, purposes, responsibilities, and jurisdiction vested in the California Emergency Management Agency and the

Secretary of Emergency Management, respectively.

(2)The Office of Emergency Services and the Director of Emergency Services shall succeed to and are vested with all the duties, powers, purposes, responsibilities, and jurisdiction vested in the Office of Homeland Security and the Director of Homeland Security, respectively.

(c)The Office of Emergency Services shall be considered a law enforcement organization as required for receipt of criminal intelligence information pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 7923.600) of Chapter 1 of Part 5 of Division 10 of Title 1 by persons employed within the office whose duties and responsibilities require the authority to access criminal intelligence information.

(d)Persons employed by the Office of Emergency Services whose duties and responsibilities require the authority to access criminal intelligence information shall be furnished state summary criminal history information as described in Section 11105 of the Penal Code, if needed in the course of their duties.

(e)The Office of Emergency Services shall be responsible for the state’s emergency and disaster response services for natural, technological, or man-made disasters and emergencies, including responsibility for activities necessary to prevent, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of emergencies and disasters to people and property.

(f)Notwithstanding any other law, nothing in this section shall authorize an employee of the Office of Emergency Services to access

criminal intelligence information under subdivision (c) or (d) for the purpose of determining eligibility for, or providing access to, disaster-related assistance and services.

§ 8585.01

Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 536, Sec. 1. (SB 888) Effective January 1, 2017.

The Office of Emergency Services shall be the lead agency for emergency response to a large, ongoing leak or release of natural gas and associated gases from a natural gas storage facility that poses a significant present or potential hazard to the public health and safety, property, or the environment. The Office of Emergency Services shall coordinate among other state and local agencies the emergency response, public health and environmental assessment, monitoring, and long-term management and control of the leak.

§ 8585.05

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 120. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

Unless the context otherwise requires, for purpose of this article, the following definitions apply:

(a)“Agency” or “office” means the Office of Emergency Services.

(b)“California Emergency Management Agency” means the Office of Emergency Services.

(c)“Director” or “secretary” means the Director of Emergency Services.

§ 8585.1

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 121. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

(a)The director shall be appointed by, and hold office at the pleasure of, the Governor. The appointment of the director is subject to confirmation by the Senate. The director shall coordinate all state disaster response, emergency planning, emergency preparedness, disaster recovery, disaster mitigation, and homeland security activities.

(b)The director shall receive an annual salary as set forth in Section 11552.

(c)The Governor may appoint a deputy director of the office. The deputy director shall hold office at the pleasure of the Governor.

(d)All positions exempt from civil service that existed in the predecessor agencies shall be transferred to the office.

(e)Neither state nor federal funds may be expended to pay the salary or benefits of any deputy or employee who may be appointed by the director or deputy director pursuant to Section 4 of Article VII of the California Constitution.

§ 8585.2

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 122. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

(a)All employees serving in state civil service, other than temporary employees, who are engaged in the performance of functions transferred to the office or engaged in the administration of law, the administration of which was vested in the former California Emergency Management Agency, are transferred to the office. The status, positions, and rights of those persons shall not be affected by their transfer and shall continue to be retained by them pursuant to the State Civil Service Act (Part 2 (commencing with Section 18500) of Division 5), except as to positions the duties of which are vested in a position exempt from civil service. The personnel records of all transferred employees shall be transferred to the office.

(b)The property of any agency or department related to functions formerly transferred to, or vested in the California Emergency Management Agency, is transferred to the office. If any doubt arises as to where that property is transferred, the Department of General Services shall determine where the property is transferred.

(c)All unexpended balances of appropriations and other funds available for use in connection with any function or the administration of any law formerly transferred to the California Emergency Management Agency shall be transferred to the office for use for the purpose for which the appropriation was originally made or the funds were originally available. If there is any doubt as to where those balances and funds are transferred, the Department of

Finance shall determine where the balances and funds are transferred.

§ 8585.5

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 123. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

The office shall establish by rule and regulation various classes of disaster service workers and the scope of the duties of each class. The office shall also adopt rules and regulations prescribing the manner in which disaster service workers of each class are to be registered. All of the rules and regulations shall be designed to facilitate the payment of workers’ compensation.

§ 8585.7

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 124. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

The office may certify the accredited status of local disaster councils, subject to the requirements of Section 8612.

§ 8585.8

Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 623, Sec. 1. (SB 1181) Effective January 1, 2019.

(a)The office may enter into an agreement directly with one or more certified community conservation corps to perform emergency or disaster response services as the office deems appropriate.

(b)For purposes of this subdivision, “certified community conservation corps” means a community conservation corps that has been certified as described in Section 14507.5 of the Public Resources Code.

§ 8586

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 125. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

The Governor shall assign all or part of his or her powers and duties under this chapter to the Office of Emergency Services.

§ 8586.5

Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 285, Sec. 2. (AB 979) Effective January 1, 2026.

(a)The Office of Emergency Services shall establish and lead the California Cybersecurity Integration Center. The California Cybersecurity Integration Center’s primary mission is to reduce the likelihood and severity of cyber incidents that could damage California’s economy, its critical infrastructure, or public and private sector computer networks in the state. The California Cybersecurity Integration Center shall serve as the central organizing hub of state government’s cybersecurity activities and coordinate information sharing with local, state, and federal agencies, tribal governments, utilities and other service providers, academic institutions, including school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools, and

nongovernmental organizations. The California Cybersecurity Integration Center shall be composed of representatives from the following organizations:

(1)The Office of Emergency Services.

(2)The Office of Information Security.

(3)The State Threat Assessment Center.

(4)The Department of the California Highway Patrol.

(5)The Military Department.

(6)The Office of the Attorney General.

(7)The California Health and Human Services Agency.

(8)The California Utilities Emergency Association.

(9)The California State University.

(10)The University of California.

(11)The California Community Colleges.

(12)The State Department of Education.

(13)The United States Department of Homeland Security.

(14)The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation.

(15)The United States Secret Service.

(16)The United States Coast Guard.

(17)Other members as designated by the Director of Emergency Services.

(b)The California Cybersecurity Integration Center shall operate in close coordination with the California State Threat Assessment System and the United States Department of Homeland Security — National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, including sharing cyber threat information that is received from utilities, academic institutions, including school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools, private companies, and other appropriate sources. The California Cybersecurity Integration Center shall provide warnings of cyberattacks to government agencies and nongovernmental partners, coordinate information sharing among these entities, assess risks to critical infrastructure and

information technology networks, prioritize cyber threats and support public and private sector partners in protecting their vulnerable infrastructure and information technology networks, enable cross-sector coordination and sharing of recommended best practices and security measures, and support cybersecurity assessments, audits, and accountability programs that are required by state law to protect the information technology networks of California’s agencies and departments.

(c)The California Cybersecurity Integration Center shall develop a statewide cybersecurity strategy, informed by recommendations from the California Task Force on Cybersecurity and in accordance with state and federal requirements, standards, and best practices. The cybersecurity strategy shall be developed to improve how cyber threats are identified, understood, and

shared in order to reduce threats to California government, businesses, and consumers. The strategy shall also strengthen cyber emergency preparedness and response, standardize implementation of data protection measures, enhance digital forensics and cyber investigative capabilities, deepen expertise among California’s workforce of cybersecurity professionals, and expand cybersecurity awareness and public education.

(d)The California Cybersecurity Integration Center shall establish a Cyber Incident Response Team to serve as California’s primary unit to lead cyber threat detection, reporting, and response in coordination with public and private entities across the state. This team shall also assist law enforcement agencies with primary jurisdiction for cyber-related criminal investigations and agencies responsible for advancing

information security within state government. This team shall be comprised of personnel from agencies, departments, and organizations represented in the California Cybersecurity Integration Center.

(e)Information sharing by the California Cybersecurity Integration Center shall be conducted in a manner that protects the privacy and civil liberties of individuals, safeguards sensitive information, preserves business confidentiality, and enables public officials to detect, investigate, respond to, and prevent cyberattacks that threaten public health and safety, economic stability, and national security.

(f)(1) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5, the California Cybersecurity Integration Center shall create four reports that describe all expenditures made by the

state within a single fiscal year pursuant to the federal State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act (Subtitle B of Title VI of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), as specified in Section 665g of Title 6 of the United States Code). The reports shall be delivered to the Legislature according to the following:

(A) The first report for the 2021–22 fiscal year shall be delivered no later than December 31, 2023.

(B) The second report for the 2022–23 fiscal year shall be delivered no later than December 31, 2024.

(D) The fourth report

for the 2024–25 fiscal year shall be delivered no later than December 31, 2026.

(2)Reports to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795.

(g)(1) On or before January 1, 2027, the California Cybersecurity Integration Center shall develop, in consultation with the Office of Information Security and the Government Operations Agency, a California AI Cybersecurity Collaboration Playbook to facilitate information sharing across the cyber and artificial intelligence

communities and to strengthen collective cyber defenses against emerging threats, including AI.

(2)The California Cybersecurity Integration Center shall review federal requirements, standards, and industry best practices, including the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative AI Cybersecurity Collaboration Playbook, and use those resources to inform the development of the California AI Cybersecurity Collaboration Playbook. The California Cybersecurity Integration Center shall also consider how the federal government is implementing these requirements, standards, and best practices

to inform its approach.

(3)The California AI Cybersecurity Collaboration Playbook shall include mandatory mechanisms for information sharing on potential threats and vulnerabilities known to state contractors and vendors providing artificial intelligence services regarding those contracted or purchased services, to a state entity identified in the California AI Cybersecurity Collaboration Playbook.

(4)The California AI Cybersecurity Collaboration Playbook may include voluntary mechanisms for other entities, as appropriate, to engage in information sharing on potential threats and vulnerabilities, to a state entity identified in the California AI Cybersecurity Collaboration Playbook.

(5)Any

record or information within a record of the Office of Emergency Services that is privileged, protected by copyright, or otherwise prohibited by law from being disclosed; that is exempt from disclosure to the public under express provisions of the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1); or in which based on the facts of the particular case, the public interest served by not disclosing the record clearly outweighs the public interest served by disclosure of the record, shall not be disclosed to the public.

(6)Notwithstanding any other law, any information related to cyber threat indicators or defensive measures for a cybersecurity purpose shared in accordance with the California AI Cybersecurity Collaboration Playbook developed under this subdivision is confidential and shall not be

transmitted or shared, except to state employees and state contractors who have been approved as necessary to receive the information and in a manner that complies with all other security requirements in the California AI Cybersecurity Collaboration Playbook.

§ 8586.7

Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 370, Sec. 127. (SB 1371) Effective January 1, 2021.

(a)(1) The office and the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection shall jointly establish and lead the Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center.

(2)The Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center’s primary mission shall be to collect, assess, and analyze fire weather data, atmospheric conditions, and other threat indicators that could lead to catastrophic wildfire and to reduce the likelihood and severity of wildfire incidents that could endanger the safety of persons, property, and the environment by developing and sharing intelligence products related to fire weather and fire threat conditions for government decisionmakers.

(3)The

Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center shall serve as the state’s integrated central organizing hub for wildfire forecasting, weather information, and threat intelligence gathering, analysis, and dissemination, and shall also coordinate wildfire threat intelligence and data sharing among federal, state, and local agencies, tribal governments, utilities and other service providers, academic institutions, and nongovernmental organizations.

(b)(1) The Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center shall be comprised of representatives from the following organizations:

(A) The Office of Emergency Services.

(B) The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

(D) The Military Department.

(E) The University of California.

(F) The California State University.

(G) The California Utilities Emergency Association.

(H) At least one representative of investor-owned utility companies, appointed by the President of the Public Utilities Commission.

(I) At least one representative of publicly owned utilities, appointed jointly by the Director of Emergency Services and the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection.

(J) Other members as designated jointly by the Director of Emergency Services and the Director of Forestry and Fire

Protection.

(2)The office and the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection may invite the following organizations to designate representatives to the Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center:

(A)The National Weather Service.

(B)The United States Forest Service.

(c)The Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center shall share intelligence and data relevant to wildfire threat, forecasting, detection, and prevention activities received from utility wildfire and emergency operations centers, partner academic institutions, private companies, and other sources in coordination with all of the following:

(1)The Northern California Geographic Area

Coordination Center and the Southern California Geographic Area Coordination Center, inclusive of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s predictive services unit.

(2)The California Wildland Fire Coordinating Group.

(3)The National Weather Service.

(4)The State Operations Center within the office.

(5)The California State Warning Center within the office.

(d)The Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center shall do all of the following:

(1)Provide intelligence and data in compliance with National Fire Danger Rating System standards and guidelines about wildfire threats to government agencies and

designated alerting authorities, as that term is defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (g) of Section 8594.16.

(2)Develop intelligence products for use by public and private sector entities engaged in wildfire risk mitigation efforts.

(e)The Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center shall develop a statewide wildfire forecast and threat intelligence strategy to improve how wildfire threats are identified, understood, and shared in order to reduce threats to California government, businesses, and consumers. The strategy shall strengthen wildfire emergency preparedness and response, standardize the implementation of environmental monitoring and assessment, enhance forecasting and detection capabilities, maximize the use of science and technology, and expand public knowledge and awareness of wildfire risks.

(f)The Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center shall be a signatory to the interagency California Fire Weather Annual Operating Plan.

(g)Information sharing by the Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center shall be conducted in a manner that protects and safeguards sensitive information, preserves business confidentiality, and enables public officials to detect, investigate, respond to, prevent, and recover from catastrophic wildfires that threaten public health and safety and economic stability.

§ 8586.8

Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 239, Sec. 2. (SB 109) Effective January 1, 2022. Repealed as of January 1, 2029, by its own provisions.

(a)For purposes of this section, “office” means the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development.

(b)The Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development is hereby established in state government within the

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to study, test, and advise regarding procurement of emerging technologies and tools in order to more effectively prevent and suppress wildfires within the state. The office shall serve as the central organizing hub for the state government’s identification of emerging wildfire technologies.

(c)The office shall be under the direct control of the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection.

(d)The office shall undertake, but is not limited to, the following activities:

(1)Develop a balanced, multimodal

research and development program designed to identify, research, test, and evaluate emerging technologies and tools designed to improve the state’s preparation for, and response to, wildfires in the state, including, but not limited to, fire retardants and ground, aerial, mobile, portable, communication, predictive modeling, software, or stationary equipment used for California’s wildfire preparedness and by first responders.

(2)Consult with public, private, and nonprofit entities in identifying new technologies tools, software, and other advances in wildfire preparedness and response.

(3)Make recommendations to state and local agencies on the most effective and useful technologies and tools for procurement.

(e)The office shall be subject to review by the Wildfire Technology Research and Development Review Advisory Board, which shall serve in an advisory capacity, and shall consist of the following nine members:

(1)The Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency, or their designee.

(2)The Director of the Office of Emergency Services, or

their designee.

(3)The Director of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or their designee.

(4)Four members who are appointed by the Governor for a term of four years each, as follows:

(A)One representative from academia involved in the field of wildfire research and technology development.

(B)One representative from the private

wildfire response science, engineering, and technology industry.

(C)One representative from local government.

(D)One member of the public employed as a first responder.

(5)One member who is appointed by the Senate for a term of

four years who is involved in victim services.

(6)One member who is appointed by the Assembly for a term of four years who is involved in the protection of privacy and civil liberties.

(f)The board shall meet at least four times per year to review, analyze, and assess the activities and progress of the Office of

Wildfire Technology Research and Development, and to consult with public, private, and nonprofit entities regarding their interaction and responsiveness of the office.

(1)The findings and recommendations of the board shall be compiled and delivered to the office of the Governor and the Legislature as a report no later than January 1, 2024, and annually thereafter.

(2)The report developed by the board pursuant to this section shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795.

(g)Members of the board shall serve without compensation, but they may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in connection with their duties.

(h)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2029, and as of that date is repealed.

§ 8586.9

Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 334, Sec. 1. (AB 570) Effective January 1, 2024.

(a)The Office of Emergency Services shall administer the Special District Fire Response Fund established pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (f) of Section 2.2 of Article XIII A of the California Constitution.

(b)The office shall, in coordination with the board of directors of the FIRESCOPE Program, established pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 13070) of Part 1 of Division 12 of the Health and Safety Code, do all of the following:

(1)Develop a standard application form to be used by special districts that provide fire protection services to apply for grants from the Special District Fire Response Fund that includes, but is not limited to, all of the

following:

(A)Description of a special district’s eligibility to receive a grant pursuant to the criteria contained in paragraph (2) of subdivision (f) of Section 2.2 of Article XIII A of the California Constitution.

(B)Specification of the number of additional fire suppression staff that would be supported by the grant.

(C)Identification of the benefits to firefighter health and safety and community response in the special district, if the grant is funded.

(D)Identification of opportunities to leverage other funding sources, if the grant is funded.

(2)Establish an annual timeline for special districts that provide fire protection services to apply for grants

from the Special District Fire Response Fund.

(3)Employ strategies to ensure that underfunded special districts that provide fire protection services are aware of the availability of the Special District Fire Response Fund to expand and increase fire suppression staffing in qualified districts.

(4)Establish reporting requirements for special districts that are awarded grants from the Special District Fire Response Fund.

(5)Develop metrics for consideration of grant applications consistent with paragraphs (3) and (4) of Subdivision (f) of Section 2.2 of Article XIII A of the California Constitution.

(c)Notwithstanding any law, including Section 25210.7, for purposes of receiving grants that are funded by the Special District

Fire Response Fund, “special district that provides fire protection services” includes a county service area, as described in Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 25210) of Part 2 of Division 2 of Title 3, formed exclusively for fire protection services.

§ 8587

Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 372, Sec. 17. Effective January 1, 2009.

(a)During a state of war emergency, a state of emergency, or a local emergency, the secretary shall coordinate the emergency activities of all state agencies in connection with that emergency, and every state agency and officer shall cooperate with the secretary in rendering all possible assistance in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

(b)In addition to the powers designated in this section, the Governor may delegate any of the powers vested in him or her under this chapter to the secretary except the power to make, amend, and rescind orders and regulations, and the power to proclaim a state of emergency.

§ 8587.5

Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 728, Sec. 57. (SB 71) Effective January 1, 2013.

(a)The Department of Transportation shall, in cooperation with interested cities with Traffic Signal Override Systems, apply to the United States Secretary of Transportation for federal funding to conduct a research program in one or more cities to test the effectiveness of the installation of signal emitters and sensors in emergency response vehicles in reducing accidents and injuries.

(b)The project shall study the reduction in accidents and injuries involving emergency response vehicles in the program areas, shall, if possible, assess any reduction in response times by emergency response vehicles in the program areas, and may study other valuable data as deemed appropriate.

(c)The application shall seek full federal funding for the project, including the evaluation component. If the United States Secretary of Transportation requires a nonfederal share of funding, the participating local governments shall pay this share equally.

(d)The department shall apply for federal funding within six months of the effective date of this section unless good cause exists to apply later or not to apply.

§ 8587.6

Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 268, Sec. 1. (AB 2384) Effective January 1, 2017.

(a)Prior to January 1, 2018, the office shall adopt a public education program to enhance the public’s knowledge about how to identify and report suspected terrorist activity.

(b)(1) The office shall post information about the program on its Internet Web site.

(2)The office shall incorporate the program into relevant existing programs and trainings.

§ 8587.7

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 126. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

(a)The Office of Emergency Services, in cooperation with the State Department of Education, the Department of General Services, and the Seismic Safety Commission, shall develop an educational pamphlet for use by grades kindergarten to 14 personnel to identify and mitigate the risks posed by nonstructural earthquake hazards.

(b)The office shall print and distribute the pamphlet to the governing board of each school district and community college district in the state, along with a copy of the current edition of the office’s school emergency response publication. The office shall also make the pamphlet or the current edition of the office’s school emergency

response publication available to a private elementary or secondary school upon request.

(c)The office, as soon as feasible, shall make the pamphlet and the current edition of the office’s school emergency response publication available by electronic means, including, but not limited to, the Internet.

§ 8587.8

Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 803, Sec. 2. (SB 438) Effective January 1, 2017.

(a)The Office of Emergency Services, in collaboration with the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the California Geological Survey, the University of California, the United States Geological Survey, the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission, and other stakeholders, shall develop a comprehensive statewide earthquake early warning system in California through a public-private partnership, which shall include, but not be limited to, the following features:

(1)Installation of field sensors.

(2)Improvement of field telemetry.

(3)Construction and

testing of central processing and notification centers.

(4)Establishment of warning notification distribution paths to the public.

(5)Integration of earthquake early warning education with general earthquake preparedness efforts.

(b)In consultation with stakeholders, the Office of Emergency Services shall develop an approval mechanism to review compliance with earthquake early warning standards as they are developed. The development of the approval mechanism shall include input from a broad representation of earthquake early warning stakeholders. The approval mechanism shall accomplish all of the following:

(1)Ensure the standards are

appropriate.

(2)Determine the degree to which the standards apply to providers and components of the system.

(3)Determine methods to ensure compliance with the standards.

(4)Determine requirements for participation in the system.

(c)The Office of Emergency Services shall identify funding for the system described in subdivision (a) through single or multiple sources of revenue.

§ 8587.9

Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 799, Sec. 2. (SB 494) Effective January 1, 2016.

(a)The Legislature finds and declares that there is a critical need for a consistent and coordinated approach to seismic safety and earthquake-related programs in the State of California through the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. These programs may include, but are not limited to, earthquake response, recovery, warning, mitigation, planning, research, preparedness, training and exercises, hazard grants, public information, and education. This approach includes the coordination of state agencies and departments that have responsibilities to monitor and respond to, and to recover from, earthquakes and to assist the citizens and businesses in California. In order to facilitate the requirements of Section 8587.8, the

Legislature establishes the California Earthquake Safety Fund within the State Treasury.

(b)(1) The California Earthquake Safety Fund is hereby created in the State Treasury. Upon appropriation by the Legislature, the moneys in the fund shall be used for seismic safety and earthquake-related programs, including the statewide earthquake early warning system described in Section 8587.8.

(2)Pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 8587.8, the California Earthquake Safety Fund may accept

federal funds, funds from revenue bonds, local funds, and funds from private sources for purposes of carrying out the provisions of this section.

§ 8587.11

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 615, Sec. 153. (AB 474) Effective January 1, 2022. Operative January 1, 2023, pursuant to Sec. 463 of Stats. 2021, Ch. 615.

(a)There is in state government, within the office, both of the following:

(1)The California Earthquake Early Warning Program.

(2)The California Earthquake Early Warning Advisory Board.

(b)The following definitions apply to this section and Section 8587.12:

(1)“Board” means the California Earthquake Early Warning Advisory Board.

(2)“Program” means the California Earthquake Early Warning Program.

(3)“System” means the statewide earthquake early warning system.

(c)(1) The board shall be composed of the following eight members:

(A) Seven voting members, as follows:

(i)The Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency, or designee.

(ii) The Secretary of California Health and Human Services, or designee.

(iii) The Secretary of Transportation, or designee.

(iv) The Secretary of Business, Consumer Services, and Housing, or designee.

(v)One member who is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the Speaker of the Assembly and represents the interests of private businesses.

(vi) One member who is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the Governor and represents the utilities industry.

(vii) One member who is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the Senate Committee on Rules and represents county government.

(B) The Chancellor of the California State University, or designee, shall serve as a nonvoting member of the board.

(2)The President of the University of California, or designee, may serve as a nonvoting

member of the board.

(3)The members of the board shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for actual and reasonable travel and meal expenses to attend board meetings.

(d)(1) The board shall convene periodically and advise the director on all aspects of the program, including, but not limited to, the following functional areas of the program:

(A) System operations.

(B) Research and development.

(D) Training and education.

(2)The board shall utilize committees, groups, and organizations, including, but not limited to, the California Institute of Technology, the California Geological Survey, the University of California, the United States Geological Survey, and entities participating in the critical infrastructure sectors to fulfill the objectives of the program by supporting the functional areas of the system.

(3)The board shall inform the public regarding, and provide the public with the opportunity to engage the board on, the development and implementation of the system.

(4)The board shall consult with program participants, state agencies, departments, boards and commissions, private businesses, postsecondary educational institutions, and subject matter experts, as necessary,

to advise the board on the development, implementation, and maintenance of the system.

(e)(1) Except as otherwise provided by law, the California Integrated Seismic Network shall be responsible for the generation of an earthquake early warning alert and related system operations.

(2)The board shall, in conjunction with the director, determine the appropriate methods to provide the public with an earthquake early warning alert.

(f)(1) The board shall comply with the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3) and the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1).

(2)Notwithstanding any law, including, but not limited to, the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1), any information in a public record that is a trade secret, as that term is defined in Section 3426.1 of the Civil Code, of a private entity cooperating with the board or participating in the system or with the program is confidential and shall not be disclosed.

§ 8587.12

Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 803, Sec. 4. (SB 438) Effective January 1, 2017.

(a)On or before February 1, 2018, the office, in consultation with the board, shall develop and submit a business plan for the program to the Senate Committee on Governmental Organization, the Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization, the Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, the Assembly Committee on Budget, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office. The business plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following

elements:

(1)The funding plan for the program and the estimated costs associated with the program. The funding plan shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(A)Specific cost estimates for each component of the program,

including, but not limited to, education and outreach costs, staff costs, and the capital costs, operation costs, and maintenance costs of the system.

(B)Identification of specific sources of funding, including, but not limited to, federal funds, funds from revenue bonds, local funds, general funds, special funds, funds from private sources, and funding from any written agreements with public or private entities to fund components of the program.

(2)The expected roles and responsibilities of various program participants, including, but not limited to, private sector partners and local emergency personnel.

(3)The expected time schedule for completing the system and when it can start to provide

alerts.

(4)A discussion of all reasonably foreseeable risks the program may encounter, including, but not limited to, risks associated with the program’s finances, the reliability of the system, access to land for sensor placement, and changes in technology. The plan shall describe the office’s strategies, processes, or other actions it intends to utilize to manage those risks.

(b)On or before February 1, 2019, and annually thereafter, the office shall report to the Legislature any changes to the business plan from the prior year and shall provide a general report on progress of the program and the

implementation of the system. The report shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(1)The overall progress of the implementation of the system.

(2)An update on funding acquired and expended.

(3)An

update on contracts and requests for proposals.

(4)A summary of recommendations made by the board to the office.

§ 8588

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 127. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

Whenever conditions exist within any region or regions of the state that warrant the proclamation by the Governor of a state of emergency and the Governor has not acted under the provisions of Section 8625, by reason of the fact that the Governor has been inaccessible, the director may proclaim the existence of a state of emergency in the name of the Governor as to any region or regions of the state. Whenever the director has so proclaimed a state of emergency, that action shall be ratified by the Governor as soon as the Governor becomes accessible, and in the event the Governor does not ratify the action, the Governor shall immediately terminate the state of emergency as proclaimed by the director.

§ 8588.1

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 128. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

(a)The Legislature finds and declares that this state can only truly be prepared for the next disaster if the public and private sector collaborate.

(b)The office may, as appropriate, include private businesses and nonprofit organizations within its responsibilities to prepare the state for disasters under this chapter. All participation by businesses and nonprofit associations in this program shall be voluntary.

(c)The office may do any of the following:

(1)Provide guidance to business and nonprofit organizations representing business interests on how to

integrate private sector emergency preparedness measures into governmental disaster planning programs.

(2)Conduct outreach programs to encourage business to work with governments and community associations to better prepare the community and their employees to survive and recover from disasters.

(3)Develop systems so that government, businesses, and employees can exchange information during disasters to protect themselves and their families.

(4)Develop programs so that businesses and government can work cooperatively to advance technology that will protect the public during disasters.

(d)The office may share facilities and systems for the

purposes of subdivision (b) with the private sector to the extent the costs for their use are reimbursed by the private sector.

(e)Proprietary information or information protected by state or federal privacy laws shall not be disclosed under this program.

(f)Notwithstanding Section 11005, donations and private grants may be accepted by the office and shall not be subject to Section 11005.

(g)The Disaster Resistant Communities Fund is hereby created in the State Treasury. Upon appropriation by the Legislature, the office may expend the money in the account for the costs associated within this section.

(h)This section shall be implemented only to the extent that in-kind

contributions or donations are received from the private sector, or grant funds are received from the federal government, for these purposes.

§ 8588.2

Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 8, Sec. 1. (AB 1568) Effective March 9, 2022.

(a)The office shall establish a statewide donations system for private businesses and nonprofit organizations that are interested in donating services, goods, labor, equipment, resources, or dispensaries or other facilities to further the purposes of Section 8588.1.

(b)The agency shall create and implement protocols and procedures for potential donors that do, but are not limited to, all of the following:

(1)Establish eligibility requirements for a private business or nonprofit organization to be potential donors.

(2)Require the services, goods, labor, equipment, resources, or dispensaries or other facilities donated by a private business or nonprofit organization offered through the donations system, to be provided at no cost to state governmental entities or the victims of emergencies and disasters.

(3)Require the

services, goods, labor, equipment, resources, or dispensaries or other facilities donated by a private business or nonprofit organization offered through the donations system, to be safely collected, maintained, and managed by the receiving entity.

(4)Require that federal, state, and local governmental entities and nonprofit organizations that are engaged in assisting communities prepare for, respond to, or recover from emergencies and disasters have access to the statewide resources offered through the donations system.

(c)A private business or nonprofit organization utilizing

the donations system, shall reasonably determine all of the following:

(1)Donated services, goods, labor, equipment, resources, or dispensaries or other facilities comply with all applicable federal and state safety laws and licensing requirements.

(2)Donated services, goods, labor, equipment, resources, or dispensaries or other facilities have not been altered, misbranded, or stored under conditions contrary to the standards set forth under federal or state laws or by the product manufacturer.

(3)Donated medicine shall be unopened, in tamper-resistant packaging or modified unit dose containers that meet United States Pharmacopeia

standards, and show lot numbers and expiration dates. Medicine that does not meet these standards shall not be donated.

§ 8588.3

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 130. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

(a)The Legislature finds and declares that it is the responsibility of the State of California to protect and preserve the right of its citizens to a safe and peaceful existence. To accomplish this goal and to minimize the destructive impact of disasters and other massive emergencies, the actions of numerous public agencies must be coordinated to effectively manage all four phases of emergency activity: preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. In order to ensure that the state’s response to disasters or massive emergencies is effective, specialized training is necessary.

(b)The California Specialized Training Institute of the office of the Adjutant General is hereby

transferred to the Office of Emergency Services. The institute shall assist the Governor in providing, pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 8570, training to state agencies, cities, and counties in their planning and preparation for disasters.

(c)The director may solicit, receive, and administer funds or property from federal, state, or other public agency sources for the support and operation of the institute.

(d)The director may solicit and receive firearms, other weaponry, explosive materials, chemical agents, and other items confiscated by or otherwise in the possession of law enforcement officers as donations to the institute if he or she deems them to be appropriate for the institute’s training purposes.

(e)Any moneys received by the director from charges or fees imposed in connection with the operation of the institute shall be deposited in the General Fund.

§ 8588.5

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 131. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

To promote an increase in the number of trained disaster search dog teams, the office shall do all of the following:

(a)Provide instruction to California disaster dog trainers in Swiss techniques.

(b)Work to secure authorization to conduct training for disaster search dog teams at existing facilities operated by the California National Guard and the Department of Transportation on the grounds of Camp San Luis Obispo.

(c)Engage in recruiting activities for the purpose of increasing the number of disaster search dog teams in southern California.

(d)Reimburse disaster search dog handlers and instructors for the costs of their travel and that of their dogs to training facilities within California.

§ 8588.7

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 132. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

(a)The Office of Emergency Services shall procure mobile communication translators to enable mutual-aid emergency response agencies to communicate effectively while operating on incompatible frequencies.

(b)Translators shall be located in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Los Angeles metropolitan area, made ready for use by local public safety officials by the Office of Emergency Services, and provided to the appropriate state-established mutual-aid region pursuant to Section 8600.

(c)The Office of Emergency Services shall implement this section only to the extent that funds are

appropriated to the office for this purpose in the Budget Act or in other legislation.

§ 8588.8

Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 631, Sec. 1. (AB 1919) Effective January 1, 2019.

Upon the proclamation of a state of emergency declared by the Governor, the Office of Emergency Services shall include, on an appropriate Internet Web site, information about Section 396 of the Penal Code, including

information for property owners about the effect of the proclamation on rental price as defined in paragraph (11) of subdivision (j) of Section 396 of the Penal Code.

§ 8588.9

Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 566, Sec. 1. (AB 1185) Effective January 1, 2024.

(a)The California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program is hereby established under the administration of the director to improve the physical security of nonprofit organizations, including schools, clinics, community centers, churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and similar locations that are at a high risk for violent attacks or hate crimes due to ideology, beliefs, or mission.

(b)The California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program shall do all of the following:

(1)Provide grants to nonprofit organizations for the purpose

of hardening soft targets that are nonprofit organizations and at a high risk for violent attacks and hate crimes, as described in subdivision (a).

(A)Grant money may be distributed to an applicant for all of the following enhancements to that applicant’s security:

(i)Security guards.

(ii) Reinforced doors and gates.

(iii) High-intensity lighting and alarms.

(iv) Security training.

(v)Any other security enhancement consistent with the purpose of the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

(B) Grant money may be distributed for all of the purposes described in this subparagraph to an applicant that provides support to another nonprofit organization or a cluster of other nonprofit organizations at a high risk for violent attacks and hate crimes, as described in subdivision (a).

(i)Vulnerability assessments.

(ii) Security trainings.

(iii) Mass notification alert systems.

(iv) Monitoring and response systems.

(v)Lifesaving emergency equipment.

(2)Allow award recipients

to use grant funds for the purposes of paying staff or third-party contractors or consultants to assist with the management and administration of the grant funds awarded. Award recipients shall use no more than 5 percent of the grant funds awarded for the purpose stated in this paragraph.

(3)Limit construction or renovation activities done in support of the target hardening activities related to security, such as installing additional emergency exits, to one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) of the grant funds awarded.

(c)An applicant shall not be granted an amount greater than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).

(d)The director shall not take an applicant’s prior history with or receipt of grant funding to

improve its physical security into account during the evaluation of the entity’s application.

(e)When evaluating applications, the director shall consider whether an applicant is more likely to be a target of hate-motivated violence.

(f)The operation of the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program is contingent upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act for purposes of this section.

(g)The director shall adopt, as necessary, application procedures,

forms, administrative guidelines, and other requirements for purposes of implementing and administering the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program. All application procedures, forms, administrative guidelines, and other requirements developed by the director pursuant to this subdivision shall be exempt from the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3).

(h)The Office of Emergency Services shall provide ongoing technical assistance for nonprofit organizations that require a vulnerability assessment for a state application to the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program or a threat assessment for a federal application to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program of the United States Department of Homeland Security.

This assistance shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1)A resource page, which includes a toll-free telephone number, on the Office of Emergency Service’s internet website that describes available resources for vulnerability assessments at no cost to the applicant.

(2)Continuous outreach to stakeholders on available resources for vulnerability assessments outside the established grant cycle.

§ 8588.10

Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 668, Sec. 2. (AB 1598) Effective January 1, 2015.

(a)The director shall establish a Curriculum Development Advisory Committee to advise the office on the development of course curricula, as specified by the director.

(b)The committee shall be chaired by the director, who will appoint members as appropriate. In appointing members to the committee, the director shall include representatives from the following:

(1)State public safety, health, first responder, and emergency services departments or agencies, as deemed appropriate by the director.

(2)Local first responder agencies.

(3)Local public safety agencies.

(4)Nonprofit organizations, as deemed appropriate by the director.

(5)Any other state, local, tribal, or nongovernmental organization determined by the director to be appropriate.

(c)The committee shall consult with the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

§ 8588.11

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 134. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

(a)The office shall contract with the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Program to develop a fire service specific course of instruction on the responsibilities of first responders to terrorism incidents. The course shall include the criteria for the curriculum content recommended by the Curriculum Development Advisory Committee established pursuant to Section 8588.10 to address the training needs of both of the following:

(1)Firefighters in conformance with the standards established by the State Fire Marshal.

(2)Paramedics and other emergency medical services fire personnel in conformance with the standards

established by the Emergency Medical Services Authority.

(b)The course of instruction shall be developed in consultation with individuals knowledgeable about consequence management that addresses the topics of containing and mitigating the impact of a terrorist incident, including, but not limited to, a terrorist act using hazardous materials, as well as weapons of mass destruction, including any chemical warfare agent, weaponized biological agent, or nuclear or radiological agent, as those terms are defined in Section 11417 of the Penal Code, by techniques including, but not limited to, rescue, firefighting, casualty treatment, and hazardous materials response and recovery.

(c)The contract shall provide for the delivery of training by the California Fire Fighter Joint

Apprenticeship Program through reimbursement contracts with the state, local, and regional fire agencies who may, in turn, contract with educational institutions.

(d)To maximize the availability and delivery of training, the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Program shall develop a course of instruction to train the trainers in the presentation of the first responder training of consequence management for fire service personnel.

§ 8588.12

Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 618, Sec. 42. (AB 2791) Effective January 1, 2011.

(a)The Curriculum Development Advisory Committee, described in Section 8588.10, shall recommend criteria for terrorism awareness curriculum content to meet the training needs of state and local emergency response personnel and volunteers. In addition, the committee shall identify any additional training that would be useful and appropriate, but that may not be generally available in California, and shall make recommendations pertaining to the need for training oversight agencies for first responder disciplines to expedite their curriculum approval processes.

(b)Basic terrorism awareness training shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1)An overview of conventional, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.

(2)Threat and hazard recognition, with an emphasis on ability to determine local vulnerabilities.

(3)Understanding the structure and function of an incident command system.

(4)Initial response actions, including preliminary assessment, notifications, resource needs, and safety considerations.

(5)Coordination with other emergency service first responders.

(6)Gathering, verifying, assessing, and communicating incident information.

(7)Understanding mass casualty implications and decontamination requirements.

(8)Balancing lifesaving activities with evidence preservation.

(9)General awareness and additional training for each of the first responder categories specific to each discipline.

(c)(1) The Legislature finds and declares that training on terrorism awareness for first responders is of critical importance to the people of California.

(2)Every agency responsible for development of terrorism awareness training and every agency that employs or uses first responders shall give a high priority to the completion of that training.

§ 8588.15

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 744, Sec. 1. (AB 580) Effective January 1, 2022.

(a)The director shall appoint representatives of the access and functional needs population to serve on the evacuation, sheltering, communication, recovery, and other pertinent Standardized Emergency Management System committees, including one representative to the Technical Working Group. At least a majority of appointees shall be representatives of the groups specified in paragraphs (1) through (3). Remaining appointees shall be representatives of the access and functional needs population and shall, to the extent practicable, represent the groups specified in paragraphs (1) through (3), as follows:

(1)Persons who are blind or visually impaired.

(2)Persons with sensory or cognitive disabilities.

(3)Persons with physical disabilities.

(b)Within the Standardized Emergency Management System structure, the director shall ensure, to the extent practicable, that the needs of the access and functional needs population are met by ensuring all committee recommendations regarding preparedness, planning, and procedures relating to emergencies include the needs of the access and functional needs population.

(c)The director shall prepare and disseminate sample brochures and other relevant materials on preparedness, planning, and procedures relating to emergency evacuations that include the needs of the access and

functional needs population, and shall work with nongovernmental associations and entities to make them available in accessible formats, including, but not limited to, Braille, large print, and electronic media.

(d)The director and the State Fire Marshal’s office shall seek research funding to assist in the development of new technologies and information systems that will assist in the evacuation of the groups designated in subdivision (a) during emergency and disaster situations.

(e)It is the intent of the Legislature for the purpose of implementing this section and to the extent permitted by federal law, that funds may be used from the Federal Trust Fund from funds received from the federal Department of Homeland Security for implementation of homeland security

programs.

§ 8589

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 136. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

The Office of Emergency Services shall be permitted the use of all state and local fair properties as conditions require.

§ 8589.1

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 137. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

(a)The Office of Emergency Services shall plan to establish the State Computer Emergency Data Exchange Program (SCEDEP), which shall be responsible for collection and dissemination of essential data for emergency management.

(b)Participating agencies in SCEDEP shall include the Department of Water Resources, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Department of the California Highway Patrol, Department of Transportation, Emergency Medical Services Authority, the State Fire Marshal, State Department of Public Health, and any other state agency that collects critical data and information that affects emergency response.

(c)It is the intent of the Legislature that the State Computer Emergency Data Exchange Program facilitate communication between state agencies and that emergency information be readily accessible to city and county emergency services offices. The Office of Emergency Services shall develop policies and procedures governing the collection and dissemination of emergency information and shall recommend or design the appropriate software and programs necessary for emergency communications with city and county emergency services offices.

§ 8589.2

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 138. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

(a)The Office of Emergency Services, in consultation with the California Highway Patrol and other state and local agencies, shall establish a statewide plan for the delivery of hazardous material mutual aid.

(b)Within 180 days of the adoption of a plan by the Office of Emergency Services, an entity shall only be considered a candidate for training or equipment funds provided by the state for hazardous material emergency response when that entity is a signatory to the plan established under this section.

(1)For the purpose of this chapter “hazardous material emergency response” includes,

but is not limited to, assessment, isolation, stabilization, containment, removal, evacuation, neutralization, transportation, rescue procedures, or other activities necessary to ensure the public safety during a hazardous materials emergency.

(2)For the purpose of this chapter, “hazardous material” is defined as in Section 25501 of the Health and Safety Code.

(c)Entities providing hazardous material emergency response services under this chapter shall be exempt from the fee restriction of Section 6103.

§ 8589.3

Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 876, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2000.

(a)A person who is acting as an agent for a transferor of real property that is located within a special flood hazard area (any type Zone “A” or “V”) designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or the transferor if he or she is acting without an agent, shall disclose to any prospective transferee the fact that the property is located within a special flood hazard area.

(b)Disclosure is required pursuant to this section only when one of the following conditions is met:

(1)The transferor, or the transferor’s agent, has actual knowledge that the property is within a special flood hazard area.

(2)The local jurisdiction has compiled a list, by parcel, of properties that are within the special flood hazard area and a notice has been posted at the offices of the county recorder, county assessor, and county planning agency that identifies the location of the parcel list.

(c)In all transactions that are subject to Section 1103 of the Civil Code, the disclosure required by subdivision (a) of this section shall be provided by either of the following means:

(1)The Local Option Real Estate Disclosure Statement as provided in Section 1102.6a of the Civil Code.

(2)The Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement as provided in Section 1103.2 of the Civil Code.

(d)For purposes of the disclosure required by this section, the following persons shall not be deemed agents of the transferor:

(1)Persons specified in Section 1103.11 of the Civil Code.

(2)Persons acting under a power of sale regulated by Section 2924 of the Civil Code.

(e)Section 1103.13 of the Civil Code shall apply to this section.

(f)The specification of items for disclosure in this section does not limit or abridge any obligation for disclosure created by any other provision of law or that may exist in order to avoid fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit in the transfer transaction.

(g)A notice shall be posted at the offices of the county recorder, county assessor, and county planning agency that identifies the location of the special flood hazard area map, any relevant Letters of Map Revision from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and any parcel list compiled by the local jurisdiction.

§ 8589.4

Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 26, Sec. 59. (SB 92) Effective June 27, 2017.

(a)A person who is acting as an agent for a transferor of real property that is located within an area of potential flooding shown on an inundation map prepared pursuant to Section 6161 of the Water Code, or the transferor if he or she is acting without an agent, shall disclose to any prospective transferee the fact that the property is located within an area of potential flooding.

(b)Disclosure is required pursuant to this section only when one of the following conditions is met:

(1)The transferor, or the transferor’s agent, has actual knowledge that the property is within an inundation area.

(2)The local jurisdiction has compiled a list, by parcel, of properties that are within the inundation area and a notice has been posted at the offices of the county recorder, county assessor, and county planning agency that identifies the location of the parcel list.

(c)In all transactions that are subject to Section 1103 of the Civil Code, the disclosure required by subdivision (a) of this section shall be provided by either of the following means:

(1)The Local Option Real Estate Disclosure Statement as provided in Section 1102.6a of the Civil Code.

(2)The Natural Hazard

Disclosure Statement as provided in Section 1103.2 of the Civil Code.

(d)For purposes of the disclosure required by this section, the following persons shall not be deemed agents of the transferor:

(1)Persons specified in Section 1103.11 of the Civil Code.

(2)Persons acting under a power of sale regulated by Section 2924 of the Civil Code.

(e)Section 1103.13 of the Civil Code shall apply to this section.

transaction.

§ 8589.45

Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 502, Sec. 2. (AB 646) Effective January 1, 2018.

(a)In every lease or rental agreement for residential property entered into on or after July 1, 2018, the owner or person offering the property for rent shall disclose to a tenant, in no smaller than eight-point type, the following:

(1)That the property is located in a special flood hazard area or an area of potential flooding, if the owner has actual knowledge of that fact. For purposes of this section, “actual knowledge” includes the following:

(A)The owner has received written notice from any public agency stating that the property is located in a special flood hazard area or an area of

potential flooding.

(B)The property is located in an area in which the owner’s mortgage holder requires the owner to carry flood insurance.

(C)The owner currently carries flood insurance.

(2)That the tenant may obtain information about hazards, including flood hazards, that may affect the property from the Internet Web site of the Office of Emergency Services. The disclosure shall include the Internet Web site address for the MyHazards tool maintained by the office.

(3)That the owner’s insurance does not cover the loss of the tenant’s personal possessions and it is recommended that the tenant consider purchasing renter’s insurance and flood insurance to insure

his or her possessions from loss due to fire, flood, or other risk of loss.

(4)That the owner is not required to provide additional information concerning the flood hazards to the property and that the information provided pursuant to this section is deemed adequate to inform the tenant.

(b)The disclosures required by this section are subject to the requirements of Section 1632 of the Civil Code.

§ 8589.5

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 615, Sec. 154. (AB 474) Effective January 1, 2022. Operative January 1, 2023, pursuant to Sec. 463 of Stats. 2021, Ch. 615.

(a)For the purposes of this section, “emergency action plan” means a written document that outlines actions to be undertaken during an emergency in order to minimize or eliminate the potential loss of life and property damage.

(b)An emergency action plan shall do all of the following:

(1)Be based upon an inundation map approved by the Department of Water Resources pursuant to Section 6161 of the Water Code.

(2)Be developed by the dam’s owner in consultation with any local public safety agency that may be impacted by an incident involving the dam, to the

extent a local public safety agency wishes to consult.

(3)Adhere to Federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines, and include, at a minimum, all of the following:

(A)Notification flowcharts and contact information.

(B)The response process.

(C)The roles and responsibilities of the dam owner and impacted jurisdictions following an incident involving the dam.

(D)Preparedness activities and exercise schedules.

(E)Inundation maps approved by the Department of Water Resources pursuant to Section 6161 of the Water Code.

(F)Any additional information that may impact life or property.

(c)At least once annually, an owner of a dam shall conduct an emergency action plan notification exercise with local public safety agencies, to the extent that a local public safety agency wishes to participate. This annual exercise is to ensure that emergency communications plans and processes are current and implemented effectively.

(d)(1) The appropriate public safety agencies of any city, county, or city and county, the territory of which includes any of those areas identified in an inundation map and the emergency action plan, may adopt emergency procedures for the evacuation and control of the potentially affected areas. The Office

of Emergency Services may provide guidance to these agencies on incorporating the emergency action plan into the local all-hazard emergency response plans and local hazard mitigation plans.

(2)Local public safety agencies may adopt emergency procedures that incorporate the information contained in an emergency action plan in a manner that conforms to local needs, and that includes all of the following elements:

(A)Methods and procedures for alerting and warning the public.

(B)Delineation of the area to be evacuated.

(C)Routes to be used.

(D)Traffic control measures.

(E)Shelters to be activated for the care of the evacuees.

(F)Methods for the movement of people without their own transportation.

(G)Identification of particular areas or facilities in the flood zones that will not require evacuation because of their location on high ground or similar circumstances.

(H)Identification and development of procedures for the evacuation and care of people with access and functional needs and for the evacuation of specific facilities, such as schools, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and other facilities as deemed necessary.

(I)Procedures for the

perimeter and interior security of the evacuated area.

(J)Procedures for the lifting of the evacuation and reentry of the area.

(K)Details as to which organizations are responsible for the functions described in this paragraph and the material and personnel resources required.

(3)Each agency that prepares emergency procedures may review and update these procedures in accordance with its established schedules.

(e)Nothing in Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1 shall be construed to require disclosure of an emergency action plan.

(f)The Office of Emergency Services may

promulgate emergency regulations, as necessary, for the purpose of this section in accordance with the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3). The adoption of these regulations shall be deemed to be an emergency and necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, or general welfare.

§ 8589.6

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 140. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

(a)The Office of Emergency Services shall develop model guidelines for local government agencies and community-based organizations planning to develop a disaster registry program. Adoption of the model guidelines shall be voluntary. Local governmental agencies or community-based organizations wishing to establish a disaster registry program may consult with the Office of Emergency Services for further guidance.

(b)The guidelines required by subdivision (a) shall address, at a minimum, all of the following issues:

(1)A purpose statement specifying that the intent of the registry is

not to provide immediate assistance during a local, state, or national disaster, to those who are registered, but to encourage that those registered will receive a telephone call or visit from neighborhood disaster volunteers or other organizations specified in the final local plan as soon as possible after the disaster in order to check on their well-being and ask if they need assistance. This statement shall also specify that persons registered should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.

(2)A list of persons eligible for the registry. This list shall include, but not be limited to, disabled persons, including those with developmental disabilities, the elderly, those for whom English is not a first language, persons who are unskilled or deficient in the English language, long-term health care facilities, residential

community care facilities, and residential care facilities for the elderly.

(3)A statement specifying that the party responsible for responding to those registered will not be held liable for not responding.

(4)A plan for ensuring that hard data is available if computers shut down.

(5)A recommendation for those persons or organizations that would be appropriate to respond to persons on the disaster registry, and a plan for training the responsible party.

(6)A plan for community outreach to encourage those eligible to participate.

(7)A plan for distribution of preparedness materials to

those eligible to participate in the disaster registry.

(8)Recommendations and assistance for obtaining federal and state moneys to establish a disaster registry.

(9)A recommendation that organizations currently providing services to persons who are eligible for the disaster registry program be encouraged to alter their information form to include a space on the form where the person has the option of registering for the program. By checking the box and giving approval to be registered for the program the person waives confidentiality rights. Despite this waiver of confidentiality rights, local government agencies and community-based organizations planning to develop a disaster registry are encouraged to do everything possible to maintain the confidentiality of their registries.

Organizations that currently have lists of people who would be eligible to register for the program should be encouraged to share this information with persons establishing a disaster registry.

§ 8589.65

Added by Stats. 2020, Ch. 98, Sec. 1. (AB 2213) Effective January 1, 2021.

(a)The Office of Emergency Services and California Volunteers, in coordination with Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, also referred to as VOADs and VOAD member agencies, shall develop planning guidance to identify volunteers and donation management resources that could

assist in responding to or recovering from local, tribal, regional, national, or international disasters.

(b)The guidance required by subdivision (a) shall, at a minimum, do all of the following:

(1)Include a purpose statement specifying that the intent of preidentifying local volunteers and donation management resources that could support disaster operations is to strengthen the response to all

disasters by enhancing the ability of nonprofit, community-based, faith-based, and private sector resources to be quickly leveraged and deployed to meet the needs of those in need.

(2)Support and be in alignment with the Volunteer and Donations Management Annex (Emergency Support Function 17) of the state’s Emergency Operations Plan.

(3)Support the operations of volunteer coordination groups, as

established by California Volunteers, as well as nonprofit, community-based, faith-based, and private sector organizations active in disasters.

(4)Include best practices to address the unique needs of people with access and functional needs and vulnerable populations.

(5)Include lessons learned from recent disasters that contribute to the robustness of logistics, distribution management, sheltering, and feeding plans.

(c)(1) The office shall publish and distribute the initial planning guidance, once developed.

(2)The office shall update the Legislature on the status of the planning guidance in a written report submitted no later than May 1, 2022. The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

§ 8589.7

Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 771, Sec. 2. (AB 1057) Effective January 1, 2020.

(a)In carrying out its responsibilities pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 8574.17, the Office of Emergency Services shall serve as the central point in state government for the emergency reporting of spills, unauthorized releases, or other accidental releases of hazardous materials and shall coordinate the notification of the appropriate state and local administering agencies that may be required to respond to those spills, unauthorized releases, or other accidental releases. The Office of Emergency Services is the only state entity required to make the notification required by subdivision (b).

(b)Upon receipt of a report concerning a spill, unauthorized release, or other accidental release involving hazardous materials, as defined in Section 25501 of

the Health and Safety Code, or concerning a rupture of, or an explosion or fire involving, a pipeline reportable pursuant to Section 51018, the Office of Emergency Services shall immediately inform the following agencies of the incident:

(1)For an oil spill reportable pursuant to Section 8670.25.5, the Office of Emergency Services shall inform the administrator for oil spill response, the State Lands Commission, the California Coastal Commission, and the California regional water quality control board having jurisdiction over the location of the discharged oil.

(2)For a rupture, explosion, or fire involving a pipeline reportable pursuant to Section 51018, the Office of Emergency Services shall inform the State Fire Marshal.

(3)For a discharge in or on any waters of the state of a hazardous substance or sewage

reportable pursuant to Section 13271 of the Water Code, the Office of Emergency Services shall inform the appropriate California regional water quality control board.

(4)For a spill or other release of petroleum reportable pursuant to Section 25270.8 of the Health and Safety Code, the Office of Emergency Services shall inform the local administering agency that has jurisdiction over the spill or release.

(5)For a crude oil spill reportable pursuant to Section 3233 of the Public Resources Code, the Office of Emergency Services shall inform the Geologic Energy Management Division and the appropriate California regional water quality control board.

(c)This section does not relieve a person who is responsible for an incident specified in subdivision (b) from the duty to make an emergency notification to a local agency, or the 911 emergency system, under any other law.

(d)A person who is subject to Section 25507 of the Health and Safety Code shall immediately report all releases or threatened releases pursuant to that section to the appropriate local administering agency and each local administering agency shall notify the Office of Emergency Services and businesses in their jurisdiction of the appropriate emergency telephone number that can be used for emergency notification to the administering agency on a 24-hour basis. The administering agency shall notify other local agencies of releases or threatened releases

within their jurisdiction, as appropriate.

(e)No facility, owner, operator, or other person required to report an incident specified in subdivision (b) to the Office of Emergency Services shall be liable for any failure of the Office of Emergency Services to make a notification required by this section or to accurately transmit the information reported.

§ 8589.10

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 143. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

As used in this article:

(a)“Acquire” means acquisition by purchase, grant, gift, or any other lawful means.

(b)“Office” means the Office of Emergency Services.

(c)“Firefighting apparatus and equipment” means any vehicle and its associated equipment that is designed and intended for use primarily for firefighting. “Firefighting apparatus and equipment” does not include vehicles that are designed and intended for use primarily for emergency medical services, rescue services, communications and command operations, or hazardous materials operations.

(d)“Indirect expenses” means those items that are identified as indirect costs in the federal Office of Management and Budget, Circular A-87 on January 1, 1985.

(e)“Local agency” means any city, county, special district, or any joint powers agency composed exclusively of those agencies, that provides fire suppression services. “Local agency” also includes a fire company organized pursuant to Part 4 (commencing with Section 14825) of Division 12 of the Health and Safety Code.

(f)“Rural area” means territory that is outside of any urbanized area designated by the United States Census Bureau from the 1980 federal census.

(g)“Director” means the Director of

Emergency Services.

§ 8589.11

Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 241, Sec. 8. (SB 857) Effective January 1, 2026.

The office may acquire new or used firefighting apparatus and equipment for resale to local agencies. If the apparatus or equipment is in a used condition, the office may contract with the California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority to repair or refurbish the apparatus or equipment to acceptable fire service standards before resale. The resale price shall recover the office’s cost of acquisition, repairing, refurbishing, and associated indirect expenses.

§ 8589.12

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 145. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

If a state agency, including the office, proposes to make firefighting apparatus or equipment which is currently owned and operated by the state available to the office for use under this article, the Department of General Services shall determine whether there is any immediate need by any state agency for the apparatus or equipment. If there is no immediate need, the Department of General Services shall release the apparatus or equipment to the office. If the office acquires firefighting apparatus or equipment from another state agency, the office shall pay the fair market value of the apparatus or equipment, as determined by the Department of General Services, unless the state agency agrees to a lesser payment.

§ 8589.13

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 146. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

(a)The office shall give first priority for the sale of new or used firefighting apparatus and equipment to a local agency that serves a rural area, and is authorized to contract with a local agency that serves a rural area for this purpose. The office shall give second priority for the sale of new or used firefighting apparatus and equipment to any local agency. If after reasonable efforts by the office to sell new or used firefighting apparatus and equipment to any local agency, and not less than 90 days after providing notice to these local agencies, the office may sell any remaining firefighting apparatus and equipment to public agencies outside of California, the federal government, and Indian tribes, subject to any applicable federal

requirements.

(b)If a contract for the sale of new or used firefighting apparatus and equipment under subdivision (a) provides for the local agency to pay the sale price in more than one installment, the local agency shall pay interest at a rate specified in the contract, which shall not exceed 1 percent less than the rate earned by the Pooled Money Investment Board, and the term of a contract shall not exceed five years.

(c)If a contract for the sale of new or used firefighting apparatus and equipment under subdivision (a) provides for a local agency to obtain a loan from another source, the office may insure the other loan.

§ 8589.14

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 147. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

The office shall operate an information system which is capable of identifying firefighting apparatus and equipment which is available for acquisition, and local agencies which are interested in acquiring apparatus and equipment.

§ 8589.15

Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 241, Sec. 9. (SB 857) Effective January 1, 2026.

The office may contract with the California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority to perform any of the responsibilities or services required or authorized by this article.

§ 8589.16

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 149. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

There is hereby created in the General Fund the State Assistance for Fire Equipment Account, which, notwithstanding Section 13340, is continuously appropriated to the office for the purposes of Sections 8589.11 and 8589.13. All proceeds from the resale of firefighting apparatus and equipment shall be paid to the account.

§ 8589.17

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 150. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

Every contract with a local agency for the resale of firefighting apparatus and equipment shall specify that the local agency shall make the apparatus or equipment available to other local agencies in the same county as part of a mutual aid agreement. The apparatus or equipment shall be available for mutual aid responses for the length of the term of the contract with the office.

§ 8589.18

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 151. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

If a local agency defaults on a contract for the resale of firefighting apparatus and equipment, the office may either renegotiate the contract or take possession of the apparatus or equipment for subsequent resale to another local agency.

§ 8589.19

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 152. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

(a)After consultation with the California Emergency Management Agency Fire Advisory Committee, hereafter to be referred to as the Office of Emergency Services Fire Advisory Committee, the director shall adopt rules and regulations governing the operation of the programs created by this article pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3.

(b)The rules and regulations adopted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(1)The specific types of firefighting apparatus and equipment

which may be acquired, rehabilitated, and resold.

(2)The amount and terms of resale contracts.

(3)The time, format, and manner in which local agencies may apply for resale contracts.

(4)Priorities for assisting local agencies, which shall give preference to local agencies which meet all of the following:

(A)Demonstrated need for primary response firefighting apparatus and equipment.

(B)Will be adequately able to operate and maintain the firefighting apparatus and equipment.

(C)Have already used other means of

financing the firefighting apparatus and equipment.

§ 8589.20

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 153. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

All state agencies, boards, and commissions shall cooperate with the office in implementing the programs created by this article.

§ 8589.21

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 154. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.

The director shall be responsible for the programs created by this article which, except as provided by Sections 8589.12 and 8589.15, shall not be subject to the requirements of the State Equipment Council or the Office of Fleet Administration of the Department of General Services.