California Disaster Assistance Act.

The California Assembly Committee on Emergency Management proposes expanding disaster assistance funding to address immediate community recovery needs while shifting program administration from regulations to guidelines. The legislation modifies the California Disaster Assistance Act to allow state emergency funds to support individuals and community organizations alongside traditional infrastructure repairs.

Under the changes, local agencies could request funding for "unmet needs" - defined as immediate assistance required by individuals and community groups recovering from disasters. The Office of Emergency Services would establish a formal model for community recovery that incorporates private nonprofit organizations into response efforts. These organizations could receive state assistance for distributing supplies and providing emergency services, provided they meet federal eligibility standards and maintain secular operations.

The bill replaces the current regulatory framework with administrative guidelines governing project eligibility, local government procedures, and funding evaluations. It maintains existing provisions for infrastructure repair, personnel costs, and federal matching funds while adding explicit authority for rapid community assistance. Constitutional requirements regarding non-discrimination and the separation of church and state continue to apply to all funded activities.