AL HB143

The state Emergency Management Agency must develop uniform guidelines by December 31, 2021, in cooperation with the Alabama Association of Emergency Managers and Association of County Commissions of Alabama, for identifying and designating volunteer safer place facilities during severe weather events.

Guidelines must include methods for notifying communities, an application process for property owners, conditions of appropriate use, nondiscrimination requirements based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, or religion, and procedures for withdrawal of designation.

Designated safer place facilities are not required to provide staff, food, water, medicine, electricity, air conditioning, first aid, or telecommunications services, but must satisfy applicable building codes, provide a second exit, smoke detectors, and adequate sanitary facilities.

No state or local governmental entity may provide compensation or financial support to individuals or entities for designating or operating safer place facilities.

Individuals using safer place facilities assume full risk and do not acquire invitee or licensee status, while facility volunteers receive protections under Alabama's Volunteer Service Act and emergency management worker protections.