AB 1863

Bill Subjects

Abstract

The California Emergency Services Act provides for the rendering of mutual aid by the state government and by the political subdivisions of this state to mitigate the effects of natural, manmade, or war-caused emergencies. The act requires aid to be rendered in accordance with approved emergency plans during any state of war emergency or state of emergency when the need arises for outside aid in any county, city and county, or city. The act authorizes state agencies and political subdivisions to exercise mutual aid powers in accordance with the Master Mutual Aid Agreement and local ordinances, resolutions, agreements, or plans in periods other than a state of war emergency, a state of emergency, or a local emergency. This bill would make certain findings and declarations regarding a 36-day manhunt that occurred in Mendocino County in 2011. This bill would appropriate $40,827.29 from the General Fund to Mendocino County to reimburse the county for the costs it incurred during the manhunt. The act defines the term "disaster" to mean a fire, flood, storm, tidal wave, earthquake, terrorism, epidemic, or other similar public calamity that the Governor determines presents a threat to public safety. This bill would additionally define the term "public calamity" for purposes of the definition of the term "disaster." The act additionally authorizes funds appropriated for purposes of the act to be used to provide financial assistance for, among other things, local agency personnel costs, equipment costs, and the cost of supplies and materials used during disaster response activities incurred as a result of a state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, as specified. This bill would additionally authorize funds appropriated for purposes of the act to be used for the costs of food and lodging for mutual aid responders.