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Bill

Bill

HB 3048

Relating to arts and culture.

2025 Regular Session

Creates a voluntary AFN Registry to help emergency responders plan and assist AFN individuals, using consent-based data sharing with public safety partners.

In committee upon adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 3048

Summary: HB 3048 — Access and Functional Needs Individual Registry Act (AFN Registry)

Quick snapshot

  • Bill number: HB 3048
  • Title: AFN INDIVIDUAL REGISTRY
  • Purpose: Create a voluntary statewide registry to identify and assist individuals with access and functional needs during emergencies and disasters.
  • Status: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
  • Introduced: February 6, 2025 (Rep. Natalie A. Manley)
  • Companion: SB 2612
  • Effective date: Upon becoming law (immediate effectiveness noted in synopsis)
  • Funding: General Revenue Fund, federal grants, or other designated sources
  • Reporting: Annual report to Governor and General Assembly starting January 1, 2026
  • Rulemaking: Secretary of State to adopt implementing rules

What the bill would do

  • Establish a centralized, voluntary Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Registry to aid public safety partners in emergency planning and response.
  • The registry is statewide, centralized, secure, and voluntary; participation is by AFN individuals who consent to data sharing for emergency planning and response.

Key provisions and components

Definitions

  • AFN individual: a person who may require additional assistance before, during, and after an emergency due to physical, sensory, mental health, cognitive, or intellectual disabilities; may rely on assistive technology, service animals, or transportation assistance; includes age-related limitations or chronic health conditions.
  • Public safety partners: emergency management agencies, law enforcement, fire services, public health departments, and related entities.
  • Registry: the voluntary statewide database established and maintained by the Secretary of State or through rules adopted under the Act.

Establishment and data collection (Section 15)

  • The Secretary of State, in consultation with local emergency management agencies, shall establish and maintain the AFN Registry.
  • Information collected may include:
    • AFN individual's name
    • Primary contact information
    • Primary residence
    • Type of assistance needed (e.g., mobility, equipment, transportation)
    • Emergency contact information
    • Consent for data sharing with public safety partners
  • Enrollment is voluntary and can occur online, at local emergency management offices, via healthcare providers, or through NGOs. The Secretary of State may enter into implementation agreements.

Privacy and security (Section 20)

  • Data confidentiality: information is confidential and used solely for planning, response, and recovery.
  • Access control: limited to authorized personnel within relevant agencies and state/local partners.
  • Data security: strict protections against breaches and misuse.
  • Opt-out and update: participants may withdraw or update information at any time.

Responsibilities of public safety partners (Section 25)

  • Integrate registry data into local emergency operations plans.
  • Coordinate with healthcare providers, support services, sheltering, and disaster recovery.
  • Conduct AFN outreach during evacuations and raise awareness about the registry.
  • Collaborate with community organizations and other stakeholders to serve AFN individuals, including seniors and other vulnerable groups.

Reporting and oversight (Section 30)

  • Annual reporting by January 1 each year (beginning January 1, 2026) to the Governor and General Assembly.
  • Reports cover operation of the registry, outreach efforts, participation rates, and recommended improvements.

Funding and rulemaking (Section 35)

  • Funding sources include General Revenue Fund appropriations, federal grants, or other designated public safety funds.
  • The Secretary of State shall adopt implementing rules.

Who is affected

  • AFN individuals who voluntarily enroll and consent to data sharing.
  • Public safety partners (emergency management, law enforcement, fire services, public health, etc.) that would utilize registry data for planning, response, and evacuation/ sheltering operations.
  • Healthcare providers, local emergency management offices, and NGOs involved in enrollment and outreach.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced February 6, 2025; read and referred in February 2025; Rule 19(a) action and re-refer to Rules Committee occurred March 21, 2025.
  • Assigned to Executive Committee (March 4, 2025).
  • Related bill: SB 2612 (companion).
  • Effective date listed as immediate upon becoming law.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Improves targeted emergency planning and supports faster, more equitable assistance for AFN individuals.
  • Participation is voluntary; program effectiveness depends on enrollment levels and interagency cooperation.
  • Privacy and security are central concerns; robust data protections and clear governance are essential.
  • Funding stability will influence long-term viability and the extent of rulemaking and outreach.
  • Annual reporting provides accountability and opportunities for program refinements.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, emergency response agencies, or advocacy groups) or compare it to the companion SB 2612.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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