CA AB2238

California Environmental Protection Agency must develop a statewide extreme heat ranking system by January 1, 2025, in coordination with the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program, State Department of Public Health, and Department of Insurance.

The ranking system shall be based on meteorological data, health impact information, extreme heat severity measures, locally relevant factors like urban heat island effects, and public input from at least one public workshop.

Department of Insurance must complete a study by July 1, 2024, examining past extreme heat events, insurance gaps among racial and socioeconomic groups, effectiveness of insurance coverages, and barriers to local governments using insurance or financing tools for heat risk mitigation.

The Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program must develop a public communication plan with culturally appropriate outreach, recommend partnerships with local health departments and tribal governments, and provide statewide guidance for preparing for extreme heat events.

The statewide extreme heat ranking system shall be adaptable for local use and periodically reviewed and updated by the coordinating agencies.