The Joint Legislative Audit and Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management convened on March 5, 2025, to address critical issues regarding disaster preparedness and response for vulnerable populations in California. The meeting highlighted significant disparities among counties in their ability to support these communities, particularly those with limited English proficiency.

Key discussions revealed that larger counties tend to be better equipped with resources and community-based organizations (CBOs) compared to smaller counties. This disparity raises concerns about the preparedness of local governments to assist vulnerable populations during emergencies. A study conducted by the UC Merced Community Labor Center in 2023 examined the impacts of storms in Planada and resulted in the creation of a toolkit designed to aid vulnerable communities in disaster recovery. This toolkit serves as a supplementary resource, emphasizing that local governments still hold the primary responsibility for providing assistance to populations with language barriers.

The meeting also addressed recent legislative efforts, specifically Assembly Bill 262, which aims to establish the California Local Assistance Program. This program would facilitate partnerships between local governments and CBOs to ensure that emergency services are delivered in a culturally and linguistically competent manner. The goal is to close existing gaps in disaster preparedness through effective planning and policy implementation.

As the meeting concluded, members were encouraged to consider the information presented and explore further questions regarding the state's approach to supporting vulnerable populations in emergency situations. The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration and proactive measures to enhance disaster readiness across all counties in California.