Chairman Rodriguez Advances Critical Legislation Extending the Sunset on the Emergency Management Assistance Compact

Chairman Rodriguez Advances Critical Legislation Extending the Sunset on the Emergency Management Assistance Compact

(Sacramento, CA) – Today, Assembly Bill (AB) 1565, authored by the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management, cleared its final hurdle before heading to the Governor. This measure would postpone the current sunset dates for the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) by an additional five years. The EMAC is a national interstate agreement that provides for mutual assistance between states responding to emergencies and disasters and will become inoperative as of March 1, 2023 if this legislation is not passed.

“The state of California is prone to experiencing catastrophic disasters, whether that be wildfires, earthquakes, floods, or other events. The EMAC has been proven to help states overcome devastating disasters. Extending the sunset date is vital to our ability to continue successfully responding to disasters within our state and also assist other states in their time of need,” stated Assemblymember Rodriguez.

The EMAC offers crucial assistance during governor-declared states of emergency or disaster, some of the most devastating events a state can face. This assistance is offered through a responsive, straightforward system that allows states to send personnel, equipment, and commodities to assist with response and recovery efforts. EMAC can be used in conjunction with, or in place of, federal assistance to quickly provide needed goods and services to a suffering state.

“When I was deployed as an EMT to assist in the recovery from hurricanes Rita and Katrina in Louisiana, I saw firsthand how vital mutual aid systems can be. As Chair of the Emergency Management Committee, I have continuously discussed the importance of mutual aid systems, such as the EMAC. I know this legislation will provide a much-needed safety net for all states in their most vulnerable conditions,” added Assemblymember Rodriguez.

Assemblymember Rodriguez (Twitter) represents the 53rd Assembly District which includes the cities of Chino, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona, and Upland. He is Chair of the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management.