Senate · Introduced · 2025-2026 Regular Session

SB451: SB451 Peace Officers; training in the evacuation of persons with disabilities during an emergency; provide

Last action February 3, 2026 · Senate Read and Referred

A Georgia Senate bill would require peace officer training on evacuating people with disabilities in emergencies and create a voluntary state registry, accessible shelters, and coordinated evacuation planning across state agencies.

In plain language

Georgia currently has no statewide system specifically designed to help people with disabilities during emergency evacuations. This bill would change that by requiring all peace officers to complete disability evacuation training starting January 1, 2027, covering communication techniques, safe evacuation methods, equipment needs, and service animal rights. The bill also directs the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) to create a voluntary, confidential registry where people with disabilities can list their needs and get an individualized evacuation plan. It requires the Department of Human Services and GEMA to designate accessible emergency shelters with features like accessible restrooms and power for medical devices, sets rules for emergency transportation providers, creates a coordinating task force, and gives legal immunity to people acting in good faith under the law. Implementation of the registry provisions depends on the General Assembly providing funding.

What the bill does

Requires all Georgia peace officers to complete training in evacuating people with disabilities by January 1, 2027, covering communication, safe evacuation methods, and service animal rights.
Creates a voluntary, confidential statewide registry run by GEMA where people with disabilities can list their needs and get an individualized evacuation and transportation plan.
Requires the Department of Human Services and GEMA to designate accessible emergency shelters with features like accessible bathrooms, medical device power outlets, and trained staff.
Sets requirements for emergency transportation providers to use accessible vehicles, trained personnel, and record-keeping to return evacuees home.
Creates a task force led by GEMA, including the Department of Human Services, Department of Transportation, and Department of Public Health, to coordinate evacuation planning.
Grants legal immunity to any person or entity acting in good faith under the new evacuation provisions.

Who it affects

Peace officers statewide, who must complete new training; people with disabilities and their service animals; the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, Department of Human Services, Department of Transportation, and Department of Public Health; local first responders; and emergency transportation providers.

Why it matters

People with disabilities often face extra barriers during emergency evacuations, such as communication gaps or lack of accessible transportation and shelter. This bill would give officers specific training, create a registry to plan ahead for individual needs, and require shelters and transportation to meet accessibility standards, though the registry system only moves forward if lawmakers fund it.

Key provisions

Section 1 states legislative findings that people with disabilities face unique evacuation challenges and existing plans may not adequately address their needs.
Section 2 adds Code Section 35-8-28, requiring all peace officers to complete disability evacuation training by January 1, 2027, developed by the training council with GEMA and disability nonprofits.
Section 3 creates new Code Section 38-3-201 establishing a voluntary, confidential emergency disability registry maintained by GEMA, with participation and removal always optional.
Section 3 also adds Code Section 38-3-202, requiring the Department of Human Services and GEMA to designate accessible shelters with specific accommodations, including keeping service animals with their handlers.
Section 3 adds Code Section 38-3-203, setting procedures for emergency transportation providers regarding accessible vehicles and safe return of evacuees.
Section 3 adds Code Section 38-3-204, creating a multi-agency task force led by GEMA to coordinate evacuation efforts and consult disability nonprofits.
Section 3 adds Code Section 38-3-205, granting immunity from liability for good-faith actions taken under the new article.
The registry's implementation is explicitly made subject to funding from the General Assembly under subsection (h) of Code Section 38-3-201.

From the bill

“No person or entity shall be liable for any actions taken in good faith under this article.”
Grants legal immunity for good-faith actions taken under the new evacuation provisions.

Status timeline

2026-02-03Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2026-02-02Senate Hopper (Senate)

Topics

disability rights
emergency management
peace officer training
emergency shelters
public safety