Emergency services: mutual aid: public works.

Assembly Member Caloza's emergency services legislation expands California's mutual aid framework to formally incorporate public works resources into disaster response operations. The measure modifies the California Emergency Services Act to include public works personnel, equipment, and materials as required components of emergency assistance between jurisdictions.

Under the proposed changes, the Office of Emergency Services must develop and implement a Public Works Emergency Mutual Aid Plan in partnership with state and local public works agencies. This plan would establish protocols for mobilizing public works resources during declared emergencies, eliminating the need for separate written agreements between agencies. The bill maintains the existing requirement that emergency plans receive gubernatorial approval to satisfy mutual aid operational requirements under the state's Master Mutual Aid Agreement.

The legislation creates new obligations for local public works agencies while providing a mechanism for cost reimbursement. If the Commission on State Mandates determines the requirements constitute state-mandated costs, local agencies would receive compensation through established statutory procedures. The measure requires a majority vote for passage and falls under fiscal committee review due to its potential financial implications for state and local governments.