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Senators back bill to create standardized school emergency response maps
Summary
AB 598 would require a school emergency response mapping program to provide accurate, room‑level maps to first responders and allow districts to contract with qualified vendors for standardized digital maps. The committee passed the bill as amended to Appropriations.
Assemblymember Gibson said AB 598 aims to reduce response times in school emergencies by requiring a school emergency response mapping data program that produces precise, room‑level digital maps for first responders. “This program will enhance the emergency response team, have the precise locations for data for every school,” Gibson said, arguing the data can reduce response times and save lives.
Joe Devine of Platinum Advisors, testifying for the Critical Response Group, described how inaccurate or unavailable floor plans hindered responses in incidents such as Uvalde and Sandy Hook. Devine said the Federal Communications Commission found room‑level mapping can improve response times by four to 17 minutes and urged the committee to adopt the bill to give first responders better situational data.
Supporters including the Los Angeles County Office of Education spoke in favor. Committee members praised the confidentiality and interoperability provisions in the amendments; Senator Archuleta moved the bill. The committee recorded the motion to pass AB 598 as amended to the Appropriations Committee and later placed the item on call pending quorum; the clerk recorded committee support and the item’s referral.
Why it matters: First responders report that outdated or missing school blueprints hamper emergency response. AB 598 would authorize districts to contract for standardized, secure digital maps that integrate with responder platforms and specify protections to keep sensitive information secure.
Next steps: AB 598 was referred to the Appropriations Committee as amended. The bill’s sponsors and tech vendors are expected to work with counties and 9‑1‑1 operators on implementation details.
