HB 420

Abstract

Department of Emergency Management; review of emergency services and disaster preparedness plans. Directs the Department of Emergency Management (the Department) to review its emergency services and disaster preparedness programs to determine if changes are necessary to address the needs of individuals with limited English proficiency, as defined in the bill, and individuals with access or functional needs. The bill directs the Department to complete its review no later than November 1, 2020, and report its findings to the Chairs of the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology and the House Committee on General Laws. Such report shall include any recommendations for legislation that would be required to fully address the needs of individuals with limited English proficiency and individuals with access or functional needs.

Department of Emergency Management; responsibilities of political subdivisions; provision of emergency preparedness information to individuals with limited English proficiency or access and functional needs. Directs the Department of Emergency Management (the Department) to ensure that the model school crisis and emergency management plan developed by the Board of Education in consultation with the Department is designed to include and reach individuals with limited English proficiency or access and functional needs. The bill also directs the Department to develop an emergency response plan to (i) address the needs of such individuals in the event of a disaster, including the provision of competent interpretation services and translated documents, and (ii) assist and coordinate with local agencies in developing similar emergency response plans for such individuals. 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 such individuals. The bill requires the governing body of each locality that is required to establish an alert and warning plan to ensure that such plan provides adequate and timely warnings for such individuals. The bill contains technical amendments.

Department of Emergency Management; responsibilitiesof political subdivisions; provision of emergency preparedness informationto individuals with limited English proficiency, disabilities, orother special needs. Directs the Department of Emergency Management(the Department) to ensure that the model school crisis and emergencymanagement plan developed by the Board of Education in consultationwith the Department is designed to include and reach individualswith limited English proficiency, disabilities, and other specialneeds. The bill also directs the Department to develop an emergencyresponse plan to (i) address the needs of such individuals in theevent of a disaster, including the provision of competent interpretationservices and translated documents, and (ii) assist and coordinatewith local agencies in developing similar emergency response plansfor such individuals. The bill requires that every local and interjurisdictionalemergency management agency include in its emergency operations planprovisions to ensure that adequate and timely emergency relief assistance,including competent interpretation services and translated documents,is provided to such individuals. The bill requires the governingbody of each locality that is required to establish an alert and warningplan to ensure that such plan provides adequate and timely warningsfor such individuals. The bill contains technical amendments.