(a) The Legislature finds and declares that it is the responsibility of the State of California to protect and preserve the right of its citizens to a safe and peaceful existence. To accomplish this goal and to minimize the destructive impact of disasters and other massive emergencies, the actions of numerous public agencies must be coordinated to effectively manage all four phases of emergency activity: preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. In order to ensure that the state’s response to disasters or massive emergencies is effective, specialized training is necessary.

(b) The California Specialized Training Institute of the office of the Adjutant General is hereby transferred to the Office of Emergency Services. The institute shall assist the Governor in providing, pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 8570, training to state agencies, cities, and counties in their planning and preparation for disasters.

(c) The director may solicit, receive, and administer funds or property from federal, state, or other public agency sources for the support and operation of the institute.

(d) The director may solicit and receive firearms, other weaponry, explosive materials, chemical agents, and other items confiscated by or otherwise in the possession of law enforcement officers as donations to the institute if he or she deems them to be appropriate for the institute’s training purposes.

(e) Any moneys received by the director from charges or fees imposed in connection with the operation of the institute shall be deposited in the General Fund.

(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 130. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.)