CA SB837

Requires Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) programs to provide disaster and emergency preparedness training specifically designed for older adults and people with disabilities to ensure their safety before, during, and after natural disasters and emergencies

Training must utilize existing emergency preparedness tools developed by the Office of Emergency Services, California Department of Aging, Department of Rehabilitation, and other community partners

Training must raise awareness of existing resources including local alert systems, emergency plans, fire department information, emergency transportation and evacuation resources, and utility services information during emergencies

Legislative findings note that people with access and functional needs are 2 to 4 times more likely to die in natural disasters compared to the general population, according to a 2019 California State Auditor report

Bill was amended to remove original provisions related to student financial aid online technology platforms and instead focuses entirely on emergency preparedness for vulnerable populations