Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Shelter Access topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee advances bill to ensure area agencies on aging can access emergency shelters
Summary
AB 1069 would require local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Aging and Disability Resource Connections (ADRCs) to have access to emergency shelters to provide continuity of services to older adults and people with disabilities during evacuations; the committee passed the bill and will send it to Emergency Management.
Assemblymember Doctor Banes also introduced AB 1069 to permit Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Aging and Disability Resource Connections (ADRCs) to access emergency shelters during disasters so they can offer services such as nutrition, medical supplies, legal help and care navigation.
Witnesses emphasized that AAAs and ADRCs currently have no automatic standing to enter disaster shelters and that obtaining access can take days — delaying services to seniors and people with disabilities. Doctor Laura Trejo, immediate past president of the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging and a witness at the hearing, said older adults disproportionately experience negative outcomes during disasters and that having trusted local personnel on site improves outcomes. "During an emergency, the ability to respond in a timely manner is important to those in need," Trejo said.
Supporters included the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging, the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, AARP California, the Alzheimer's Association, California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform and LeadingAge California. No opposition witnesses were recorded. The committee moved the bill by motion; the roll call recorded passage and re‑referral to the Committee on Emergency Management with ayes from members present and the roll left open for additional members.
