(a) The Legislature finds and declares that there is a critical need for a consistent and coordinated approach to seismic safety and earthquake-related programs in the State of California through the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. These programs may include, but are not limited to, earthquake response, recovery, warning, mitigation, planning, research, preparedness, training and exercises, hazard grants, public information, and education. This approach includes the coordination of state agencies and departments that have responsibilities to monitor and respond to, and to recover from, earthquakes and to assist the citizens and businesses in California. In order to facilitate the requirements of Section 8587.8, the Legislature establishes the California Earthquake Safety Fund within the State Treasury.
(b) (1) The California Earthquake Safety Fund is hereby created in the State Treasury. Upon appropriation by the Legislature, the moneys in the fund shall be used for seismic safety and earthquake-related programs, including the statewide earthquake early warning system described in Section 8587.8.
(2) Pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 8587.8, the California Earthquake Safety Fund may accept federal funds, funds from revenue bonds, local funds, and funds from private sources for purposes of carrying out the provisions of this section.
(Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 799, Sec. 2. (SB 494) Effective January 1, 2016.)