Section 8588.15 - Needs of access and functional needs population considered(a) The director shall appoint representatives of the access and functional needs population to serve on the evacuation, sheltering, communication, recovery, and other pertinent Standardized Emergency Management System committees, including one representative to the Technical Working Group. At least a majority of appointees shall be representatives of the groups specified in paragraphs (1) through (3). Remaining appointees shall be representatives of the access and functional needs population and shall, to the extent practicable, represent the groups specified in paragraphs (1) through (3), as follows: (1) Persons who are blind or visually impaired.(2) Persons with sensory or cognitive disabilities.(3) Persons with physical disabilities.(b) Within the Standardized Emergency Management System structure, the director shall ensure, to the extent practicable, that the needs of the access and functional needs population are met by ensuring all committee recommendations regarding preparedness, planning, and procedures relating to emergencies include the needs of the access and functional needs population.(c) The director shall prepare and disseminate sample brochures and other relevant materials on preparedness, planning, and procedures relating to emergency evacuations that include the needs of the access and functional needs population, and shall work with nongovernmental associations and entities to make them available in accessible formats, including, but not limited to, Braille, large print, and electronic media.(d) The director and the State Fire Marshal's office shall seek research funding to assist in the development of new technologies and information systems that will assist in the evacuation of the groups designated in subdivision (a) during emergency and disaster situations.(e) It is the intent of the Legislature for the purpose of implementing this section and to the extent permitted by federal law, that funds may be used from the Federal Trust Fund from funds received from the federal Department of Homeland Security for implementation of homeland security programs.Amended by Stats 2021 ch 744 (AB 580),s 1, eff. 1/1/2022.Amended by Stats 2013 ch 352 (AB 1317),s 135, eff. 9/26/2013, op. 7/1/2013.Amended by Stats 2010 ch 618 (AB 2791),s 43, eff. 1/1/2011.Added by Stats 2006 ch 600 (SB 1451),s 2, eff. 1/1/2007.