Newsom signs state of emergency to support California communities recovering from wildfires
(SAN ANTONIO) – Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law the state’s State of Emergency for the 2019-21 Normal Years. The State of Emergency allows the state and local governments to take significant action to prevent and mitigate the impact of wildfires and other disasters in the state.
This legislation will improve Californians’ ability to recover and rebuild from wildfires and other disasters, and enhance fire prevention measures throughout California.
“Our communities have always been there for each other in times of disaster,” said Governor Newsom. “California is fortunate to have an emergency management system in place, and we are grateful to our emergency management partners who are working diligently every day to help our residents recover and rebuild after devastating wildfires. We applaud this effort and are inspired by the strength and resilience they display in these challenging times.”
“This legislation will help families recover and rebuild after a devastating firestorm, reduce the risk of wildfires in California, and improve the state’s ability to track and manage disasters that strike our community,” said Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom. “This legislation makes California a national leader in preventing, preparing for, and responding to natural disasters. This is the right thing to do for California and for our firefighters, first responders, and emergency personnel.”
“We are grateful to Governor Newsom for signing our legislation to bolster our existing wildfire response systems and provide greater opportunity for residents to rebuild their lives in the years after a devastating fire,” said California Emergency Management Agency Director Curt Weldon.
On May 17, 2019, Governor Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 1467, which creates more than 30 new community recovery districts and establishes the Board of Supervisors for those districts, known as the Community Emergency Response Teams. This legislation also requires the Board of Supervisors to create a “Community Recovery District” for any city or county that has a history of substantial wildfire activity and has provided FEMA with timely notification of its wildfire activity.
On July 29, 2019, Governor Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 2495, which makes emergency services response teams, and their members, firefighters and EMS personnel, eligible to receive compensation through the state’s fire tax. This legislation also makes this compensation available to first responders who may not have a medical or disability, and will allow firefighters, first responders and