AB 1620 Summary

• Establishes the California Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness Commission as a statewide executive-level body to assess and improve the state's emergency preparedness, management, and disaster recovery capabilities.

• Requires the commission to review and make recommendations on emergency management vulnerabilities in health care, energy, transportation, and communication systems, as well as availability of equipment, fuel, food, water, and emergency supplies.

• Membership includes the Governor, Attorney General, Director of Emergency Services, Director of Emergency Medical Services Authority, President of the Public Utilities Commission, Director of State Department of Public Health, Director of Technology, local government and first responder representatives appointed by the Governor, and optional American Red Cross representative.

• Authorizes the President pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the Assembly (or their designees) to participate in commission activities.

• Commission must ensure minimized loss of life during disasters, adequate trained personnel for emergency response, protection of vulnerable populations, effective coordination across government levels, and that all localities are prepared for disasters.