California Manny Alert Act

California has numerous formal acts in statute. Government Code Title 2, Division 1, Chapter 7, Article 6.3 provides the Manny Alert Act, which is contained in Sections 8592.20 to 8592.22. Article 6.3 was added in 2019 by Chapter 686. Section 8592.20 names the act, and provides that it is the intent of the Legislature to explore the establishment of a statewide system under the management of the California Office of Emergency Services (OES) that provides the ability for public safety answering points to aid in dispatching activities.

In addition, the statewide system would enable all Californians, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, and other at-risk persons, to voluntarily provide vital health and safety information to enable first responders to better assist them during an accident or emergency.

Moreover, it is also the intent of the Legislature that the statewide system would inform law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical service personnel, who are planning for or responding to an emergency, with crucial information necessary for interacting with all Californians, especially older adults, individuals with disabilities, and other at-risk persons, so as to maximize the safety of these persons, minimize the likelihood of injury, and promote the safety of all individuals.

Section 8592.21 defines the term “office.” Section 8592.22 specifies that OES, in consultation with any persons that the office determines are relevant experts and stakeholders, must complete a study to determine the feasibility of developing a statewide system that would enable all Californians, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, and other at-risk persons, to voluntarily provide vital health and safety information, with an encrypted connection, to be made available to all first responders in an emergency if a “911” call is placed.

In considering the feasibility of the statewide system, OES must consider all of the specified items in the study. In addition, OES must determine an estimate of the funding necessary to plan, test, implement, operate, and maintain the statewide system on an annual basis. The office must include the funding estimate in the report.