Today's Law As Amended


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AB-2327 Emergency services: humanitarian and relief services.(2007-2008)



As Amends the Law Today


SECTION 1.
 The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) Individuals fleeing a disaster or coping with emergency circumstances commonly lose access to their personal documents and identification, and replacing them during a disaster or emergency can be burdensome, if not impossible, especially for vulnerable populations, such as low-income individuals, seniors, or persons with disabilities.
(b) During a disaster, it is critical that all evacuees and other victims have access to timely and effective assistance to alleviate their suffering and meet their basic needs.

SEC. 2.

 Section 8596 of the Government Code is amended to read:

8596.
 (a) Each department, division, bureau, board, commission, officer, and employee of this state shall render all possible assistance to the Governor and to the Director of the Office of  Emergency Services in carrying out the provisions of  this chapter.
(b) In providing that such  assistance, state agencies shall cooperate to the fullest possible extent with each other and with political subdivisions, relief agencies, and the American National Red Cross, but nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to limit or in any way affect the responsibilities of the American National Red Cross under the federal act approved January 5, 1905 (33 Stat. 599), as amended.
(c) Entities providing disaster-related services and assistance shall strive to ensure that all victims receive the assistance that they need and for which they are eligible. Public employees shall assist evacuees and other individuals in securing disaster-related assistance and services without eliciting any information or document that is not strictly necessary to determine eligibility under state and federal laws. Nothing in this subdivision shall prevent public employees from taking reasonable steps to protect the health or safety of evacuees and other individuals during an emergency.
(d) State personnel, equipment, and facilities may be used to clear and dispose of debris on private property only after the Governor finds: (1) that the such  use is for a state purpose; (2) that the such  use is in the public interest, serving the general welfare of the state; and (3) that the such  personnel, equipment, and facilities are already in the emergency area.