HB 1999

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Directs the Department of Emergency Management (the Department) to ensure that training programs and programs of public information and education regarding emergency services and disaster preparedness activities established and operated by state agencies be designed to include and reach individuals with limited English proficiency, disabilities, or other special needs. The bill also directs the Department to develop an emergency response plan to (i) address the needs of individuals with limited English proficiency, disabilities, or other special needs in the event of a disaster, including the provisions of competent interpretation services and translated documents, and (ii) assist and coordinate with local agencies in developing a similar emergency response plan for individuals with limited English proficiency, disabilities, or other special needs. The bill requires that every local and interjurisdictional emergency management agency include in its emergency operations plan provisions to ensure that adequate and timely emergency relief assistance, including competent interpretation services and translated documents, is provided to individuals with limited English proficiency, disabilities, or other special needs. The bill requires that the governing body of each locality that is required to establish an alert and warning plan for the dissemination of adequate and timely warning to the public in the event of an emergency or threatened disaster ensure that such alert and warning plan provides adequate and timely warning to individuals with limited English proficiency, disabilities, or other special needs.