AB 591: Emergency services: mutual aid: public works.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law, the California Emergency Services Act, establishes the Office of Emergency Services within the Governor’s office under the supervision of the Director of Emergency Services and makes the office responsible for the state’s emergency and disaster response services. The office serves as the State Disaster Council for the purposes of the California Disaster and Civil Defense Master Mutual Aid Agreement. Existing law states it is the purpose of the Legislature to facilitate the rendering of aid to areas stricken by an emergency and to make unnecessary the execution of written agreements customarily entered into by public agencies exercising joint powers, and that emergency plans duly adopted and approved as provided by the Governor shall be effective as satisfying the requirement for mutual aid operational plans provided in the Master Mutual Aid Agreement. Existing law requires outside aid be rendered in accordance with approved emergency plans during any state of war emergency or state of emergency when the need arises in any county, city and county, or city.

This bill would additionally state that it is the purpose of the Legislature to facilitate the rendering of public works resources critical for disaster response and recovery to areas stricken by an emergency. The bill would require that outside aid rendered during any state of war emergency or state of emergency includes public works personnel, equipment, and materials. The bill would also require the Office of Emergency Services, in consultation with relevant local and state public works agencies, to develop and adopt a Public Works Emergency Mutual Aid Plan to ensure the systematic and efficient mobilization of public works resources during emergencies. By imposing requirements on public works agencies, which includes local public works agencies, this bill would create a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. February 2, 2026From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2. January 31, 2026Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
3. May 23, 2025In committee: Held under submission.
4. May 21, 2025Joint Rule 62(a), file notice suspended. (Page 1627.)
5. May 21, 2025In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
6. May 14, 2025In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
7. April 29, 2025From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (April 28). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
8. March 3, 2025Referred to Com. on E.M.
9. February 13, 2025From printer. May be heard in committee March 15.
10. February 12, 2025Read first time. To print.