California establishes Personal Protective Equipment Advisory Committee for healthcare and essential workers

California lawmakers have introduced Assembly Bill 1113, a significant legislative measure aimed at enhancing the preparedness and safety of health care and essential workers during public health emergencies. Introduced on March 13, 2025, the bill seeks to establish comprehensive guidelines for the procurement, management, and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) in response to pandemics and other emergencies, including wildfire smoke events.

At the core of Assembly Bill 1113 is the requirement for a detailed assessment of PPE needs for all health care and essential workers during a 90-day emergency period. The bill emphasizes the importance of learning from past crises, mandating the incorporation of lessons learned regarding supply chain management and distribution strategies. It also outlines the necessity for geographical distribution of PPE storage to ensure timely access for those in need.

A notable aspect of the bill is its focus on equity in PPE distribution. It prioritizes access for providers and employers located in areas with high shares of low-income residents or those serving medically underserved populations. This approach aims to address disparities in health care access and ensure that vulnerable communities receive adequate protection during emergencies.

The bill also proposes the establishment of a Personal Protective Equipment Advisory Committee, which will consist of representatives from various sectors, including health care, labor organizations, and the PPE manufacturing industry. This committee will play a crucial role in developing guidelines that meet or exceed existing federal and state standards for PPE.

While the bill has garnered support for its proactive measures, it has also sparked debates regarding the feasibility of implementing such extensive guidelines and the potential costs associated with establishing a state PPE stockpile. Critics express concerns about the financial implications for the state budget and the logistics of maintaining adequate supplies.

The implications of Assembly Bill 1113 are far-reaching, as it seeks to bolster California's emergency preparedness framework and protect the health and safety of essential workers. Experts suggest that if passed, the bill could serve as a model for other states looking to enhance their own emergency response strategies.

As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders from various sectors will be closely monitoring the bill's progress, anticipating its potential impact on public health policy and emergency management in California. The next steps will involve discussions in committee hearings, where amendments may be proposed to address concerns raised by opponents while maintaining the bill's core objectives.