CA AB291

Establishes the Local Emergency Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation Fund within the State Treasury to support local government emergency management, preparedness, and hazard mitigation activities upon appropriation by the Legislature.

Requires the Office of Emergency Services to receive $1,000,000 annually and each county to receive $500,000 annually for administrative costs, with remaining funds distributed to operational area lead agencies.

Mandates lead agencies distribute funds with 60% for direct distribution to cities and unincorporated areas on a per capita basis (minimum $100,000), 15% for high-risk zones, and 25% for competitive grants supporting multi-jurisdictional projects.

Requires eligible local governments to maintain or develop local hazard mitigation plans, multiyear training and exercise plans, and threat assessment plans to receive funds, and prohibits use of funds to supplant existing emergency management budgets.

Establishes the Local Emergency Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation Fund Committee under the Standardized Emergency Management System Advisory Board to adopt guidelines for eligible fund uses by July 1, 2021, and prohibits the director from counting received funds toward disaster assistance allocations.