SACRAMENTO –The State Assembly today passed AB 2327, a bill by Assembly Member Anna Caballero (D-Salinas) that will streamline emergency assistance for disaster victims. 

“This bill would help ensure that families receive emergency aid, during one of the most terrifying experiences any of us could face,” said Caballero. 

AB 2327 requires that entities that provide assistance during an emergency or disaster strive to ensure that all victims receive the assistance they need and for which they are eligible.  Public employees would be required to assist evacuees and other individuals in securing disaster-related assistance and services without asking for information or documents that are not strictly necessary to determine eligibility under state or federal laws.  Non-profit organizations would be encouraged to comply with the same guidelines.

Caballero introduced the bill following reports that some victims of last year’s San Diego fires were turned away from emergency shelters and denied food and clothing based on their inability to provide “proof” that they were bona fide victims. 

“Imagine you are woken in the middle of the night with a knock on the door, telling you there’s a fire and you have to get your family out of the house immediately,” said Caballero, explaining the need for her bill.  “You gather up your children, your dog and cat, and rush to an emergency shelter.  When you arrive, there’s complete chaos.  Dozens of frightened, confused people milling around.  You finally get your family settled down to sleep.

“And then imagine that you are woken again, and asked for documentation to prove that your house is in the evacuation zone.

“You rushed out of the house.  You didn’t take your utility bill to prove you live at your house.  And now, because you lack this documentation, you’re at risk of being thrown out of the shelter.”

The bill states that nothing it contains would prevent public employees from taking responsible steps to protect the health and safety of individuals during an emergency.

The bill passed out the Assembly on 53-5 vote.  The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration.