Committee advances bill to require statewide scenario exercises, create State Lifelines Council and expand CERT training

Assemblymember Kolozoa presented AB 1200, a multipart bill aimed at strengthening California’s disaster preparedness through routine exercises, creation of a State Lifelines Council, and expanded neighborhood‑level training.

Kolozoa said the bill requires the Office of Emergency Services (OES) to convene government agencies, infrastructure operators and private and nonprofit partners for biannual scenario‑based tabletop exercises tied to existing OES and FEMA plans. The bill would also create a State Lifelines Council — led by the Seismic Safety Commission, Strategic Growth Council and Cal Fire — to identify infrastructure investments needed for rapid recovery after catastrophic events.

The measure would direct OES and California Volunteers to coordinate with local Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) to run annual disaster training events in vulnerable regions, including accessibility and inclusive outreach and real‑time testing of emergency alert systems.

Committee members discussed exercise scope, with one member suggesting the bill could encourage “full blown” exercises in addition to tabletop drills; the author and vice chair said they would work with stakeholders as the bill moves to appropriations. The committee moved AB 1200 to the Committee on Appropriations.