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AB-472 Earthquake and emergency preparedness.(2009-2010)

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Enrolled  September 09, 2009
Passed  IN  Senate  September 01, 2009
Passed  IN  Assembly  September 03, 2009
Amended  IN  Senate  August 20, 2009
Amended  IN  Senate  July 14, 2009

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2009–2010 REGULAR SESSION

Assembly Bill
No. 472

Introduced  by  Assembly Member Blumenfield

February 24, 2009

An act to add Section 8596.5 to the Government Code, relating to earthquake and emergency preparedness.


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


AB 472, Blumenfield. Earthquake and emergency preparedness.
Existing law, the California Emergency Services Act, requires the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) to be responsible for the state’s emergency and disaster response services, and requires state entities to cooperate with Cal EMA in carrying out its duties.
This bill would, beginning on July 1, 2010, authorize Cal EMA to require any state entity that publishes an Internet Web site to prominently display on the homepage of that Internet Web site a link, as specified by Cal EMA, that connects a user to an Internet Web page created and maintained by Cal EMA, in consultation with the Seismic Safety Commission, that provides specified information regarding earthquake and emergency preparedness for the home and workplace.
Vote: MAJORITY   Appropriation: NO   Fiscal Committee: YES   Local Program: NO  

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:


SECTION 1.

 The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) January 17, 2009 marked the 15th anniversary of the Northridge Earthquake that resulted in the deaths of 57 people, 12,000 injuries, damage to 100,000 structures, and up to $40 billion in losses.
(b) Experts predict there is a high likelihood that there will be another earthquake in southern California of equal or greater magnitude as the Northridge Earthquake in the next 30 years.
(c) Understanding potential risks, practicing responses, and being prepared with an action plan for before, during, and after a disaster can make a significant difference in reducing or eliminating major losses of life and property.
(d) The largest local earthquake drill involving more than five million people in southern California on November 13, 2008, found significant gaps in earthquake preparedness planning and a need for ongoing disaster preparedness education for the public.
(e) The Valley Public Response for Emergency Preparedness Task Force established in the San Fernando Valley is working to identify valley-specific issues that can be addressed through earthquake preparedness planning.
(f) Providing links on state agency Internet Web sites would make it easier for Californians to access earthquake preparedness information and promote awareness of steps that can be taken before, during, and after major earthquakes to promote safety for individuals and communities.

SEC. 2.

 Section 8596.5 is added to the Government Code, to read:

8596.5.
 (a) The California Emergency Management Agency is authorized to require any state entity that publishes an Internet Web site to prominently display on the homepage of that Internet Web site a text or graphical link, as specified by the California Emergency Management Agency, to earthquake and emergency preparedness tips and resources, as described in subdivision (b).
(b) The California Emergency Management Agency, in consultation with the Seismic Safety Commission, shall create and maintain an Internet Web page that a state entity shall link to, as required by subdivision (a), that includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:
(1) Information regarding earthquake and emergency preparedness for the home and workplace.
(2) Guides and other publications regarding earthquake and emergency preparedness for the home and workplace.
(3) Links to other Internet resources for earthquake and emergency preparedness for the home and workplace.
(c) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2010.