Office of Emergency Services: home security equipment: pilot program.

The California Emergency Services Act, among other things, establishes the Office of Emergency Services for the purpose of mitigating the effects of natural, manmade, or war-caused emergencies and makes findings and declarations relating to ensuring that preparation within the state will be adequate to deal with those emergencies. Existing law authorizes the Office of Emergency Services to acquire new or used firefighting apparatus and equipment for resale to local agencies, and to provide other assistance to agencies for the acquisition of firefighting apparatus and equipment. This bill, until January 1, 2024, would require the office to administer the Protect Our Homes Pilot Program to provide funds to individuals who own or rent a residence in the County of Kern, Kings, Merced, or San Bernardino for the purchase of qualifying home security equipment, as specified. The bill would authorize individuals who are eligible for the California earned income tax credit to participate in the grant pilot program and to be awarded a grant of up to $500 to install qualified home security equipment in a residence that he or she rents or owns in those counties. The bill would create the Protect Our Homes Pilot Program Fund and specify that moneys in the fund would be available upon appropriation by the Legislature for expenditure by the office for the purpose of providing these grants. The bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Counties of Kern, Kings, Merced, and San Bernardino.