35A-16-702. Code blue alert -- Content -- Dissemination -- Rulemaking.

447 words·~2 min read·/ut/title-35a/chapter-16/35a-16-702

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Effective 5/1/2024

(1)The Department of Health and Human Services shall:

(a)monitor and evaluate forecasts and advisories produced by the National Weather Service;

(b)issue a code blue alert under this section if the Department of Health and Human Services identifies a code blue event; and

(c)disseminate the code blue alert to:

(i)the public at large;

(ii)homeless shelters located within an affected county;

(iii)local government entities located within an affected county;

(iv)the office; and

(v)any other relevant public or private entities that provide services to individuals experiencing homelessness within an affected county.

(2)The code blue alert shall:

(a)identify each affected county;

(b)specify the duration of the code blue alert;

(c)describe the provisions that take effect for the duration of the code blue alert as described in Section 35A-16-703 ; and

(d)include the information prepared by the office under Subsection (3).

(a)The office shall prepare and regularly update information to assist individuals experiencing homelessness during a code blue event, including:

(i)the location and availability of homeless shelters and other community resources and services for individuals experiencing homelessness;

(ii)information regarding public safety and emergency services; and

(iii)any other information considered relevant by the office.

(b)The office shall submit to the Department of Health and Human Services the information prepared and updated under Subsection (3)(a).

(a)In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the Department of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the office, shall make rules to implement this section.

(b)The rules under Subsection (4)(a) shall:

(i)establish any extreme weather conditions that warrant the issuance of a code blue alert; and

(ii)establish standards for:

(A)monitoring and evaluating National Weather Service forecasts and advisories to identify code blue events;

(B)issuing code blue alerts under this section, including the form, content, and dissemination of code blue alerts;

(C)the provisions that take effect within an affected county for the duration of a code blue alert under Section 35A-16-703 ; and

(D)coordinating with the office to receive the information described in Subsection (3).

(5)Nothing in this section prohibits a municipality from implementing emergency plans or other measures to assist individuals experiencing homelessness at times when environmental conditions present a substantial threat to the health or safety of individuals experiencing homelessness, provided that the emergency plans or other measures implemented by the municipality do not conflict with any applicable provisions that take effect during a code blue event in accordance with Section 35A-16-703 .

Amended by Chapter 204 , 2024 General Session