Emergency management and national preparedness continue to be the topic of new legislation at both the State and Federal level. In partnership with the California Emergency Services Association and the International Association of Emergency Managers, the Cal Chiefs Emergency Management Section is publishing information on pending legislation. This information will be uploaded, at minimum, quarterly.
Pending Federal Legislation
H.R. 517 – Filing Relief for Natural Disaster Act
This bill authorizes the IRS to extend filing deadlines during disasters at the request of the Governor. The bill was signed into law July 24, 2025.
H.R. 804 – Rural Small Business Resilience Act
This bill directs the Small Business Administration to improve disaster assistance for rural areas. This bill passed the House on February 25, 2025 and is awaiting action in the Senate.
H.R. 1021 – Small Business Disaster Fairness Act
This bill raises the Small Business Administration collateral threshold from $14,000 to $50,000. This bill was introduced February 5, 2025.
H.R. 643 – Federal Insurance Office Elimination Act
This bill eliminates the Treasury’s Federal Insurance Office which could remove the role of risk analysis from the federal level. This bill was introduced January 23, 2025.
S. 372 – Investing in Community Resilience Act
This bill expands activities eligible for FEMA Public Assistance cost-share incentives. This bill was introduced February 3, 2025.
Pending State of California Legislation
SB 352 – California Emergency Services Act
This bill requires Aging and Disability Resource Connection agencies to provide disaster preparedness information focused on Access and Functional Needs.
AB261 – Fire Hazard Severity Zones
This bill updates the Office of the State Fire Marshal criteria for identifying fire hazard severity zones.
AB262 – California Individual Assistance Act
This bill creates a framework for State provided individual assistance for disaster survivors.
AB275 – Cal OES Wildfire Aerial Response Program
This bill directs Cal OES to coordinate aerial wildfire response planning.
AB294 – Recovery Priority / Technical Assistance
This bill allows Cal OES to prioritize funding for the hardest-hit communities.
AB591 – Mutual Aid: Public Works
This bill adds public works resources to the mutual aid system.
SB465 – California Alert
This bill directs Cal OES to establish a statewide alerting framework.
SB90 – Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clear Aid Bond Act
This bill adds evacuation routes, mobile water, and generators to bond eligible projects.
AB299 – Hotels, Motels, and Short-Term Lodging: Disasters
This bill allows for the occupancy of hotels, motels, and short-term lodging for less than 30 days without establishing tenancy.