LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: April 16, 2024
Subject: AB 2973 (Hart) Emergency Services
Submitted For: Legislation Committee
Department: County Administrator's Office
Referral No:
Referral Name: AB 2973
Presenter: Marshall Bennett, Director of Emergency Medical Services; Lewis Broschard, Fire Chief of Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Contact: L. DeLaney, 925-655-2057
Referral History:
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has a recent history of legislative advocacy related to Emergency Medical Services bills. In 2021, the County successfully sponsored and advocated for AB 389 (Grayson), a bill that authorizes the Fire District to continue to utilize the effective "Fire-EMS Alliance" model as well as provide this subcontracting model as an option for other counties and fire agencies to use for their own emergency ambulance deployment systems1.
The County has also taken "Oppose" positions on two recent bills: SB 443 (2022) and AB 1168 (2023). See Attachment E for more information.
AB 2973 (Hart) was brought to the attention of Legislation Committee staff by both the County Director of Emergency Medical Services, Marshall Bennett, and the Fire Chief of Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, Lewis Broschard. Their respective statewide associations have taken opposing advocacy positions on the bill, with the EMSAAC on record to oppose the bill, and the California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs) and the Fire Districts Association of California (FDAC) in support. The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) is presently reviewing the bill and has no formal position. The Urban Counties of California (UCC) has expressed concerns. (See Attachment D for position letters.)
The Board of Supervisors' adopted 2023-24 State Legislative Platform contains the following related policies:
* SUPPORT legislation to maintain or strengthen the authority and governing role of counties and their local emergency medical services age...
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