Creates the "disaster preparedness and emergency planning act"; local sales tax exemption for emergency preparedness supplies

• Democratic3
• Republican1

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Shelley Mayer says this is needed

Annual national surveys on disaster preparedness released by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) highlight the lack of preparedness for an emergency by families and individuals and the role family/individual income plays in access to emergency supplies that can help cope with a natural or man-made emergency. In measuring prepared- ness, FEMA survey data indicate a direct relationship between income level and preparedness: the socio-economically disadvantaged were less likely to have taken preparedness actions involving expense, including assembling or updating emergency supplies. The tragedy of Hurricane Ida drove home the increasing likelihood that New Yorkers will continue to experience serious disasters due to climate change. The sales tax break created by this legislation for the purchase of emergency supplies can give New Yorkers, especially those with fewer financial means, a small boost in emergency preparedness by reducing the cost barrier FEMA identifies and making these supplies more affordable. Coupled with the required promotion of the sales tax break and emergency preparedness in general, this legislation helps New Yorkers take another step forward in preparation for the worst. PRIOR LEGISLATI HISTORY: S8657/ A8416 (2021-22): Referred to Investigations and Government Oper- ations S3338/ A122 (2023-24): Referred to Investigations and Government Oper- ations

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.