Residential care facilities for the elderly: emergency backup power source.

Senator Wahab's legislation mandates alternative power sources for California's larger residential care facilities for the elderly, requiring facilities licensed for 16 or more residents to maintain backup power systems capable of operating for at least 72 hours during outages. The measure, which takes effect January 1, 2028, allows facilities to choose between permanently installed generators with onsite fuel reserves or battery systems paired with renewable energy generation.

Facilities opting for generators must ensure 24-hour operational capability with sufficient fuel stored onsite for 72 hours of continuous use, or establish guaranteed emergency fuel delivery arrangements. Those selecting battery systems, whether standalone or combined with renewable generation, must maintain adequate storage capacity for 72 hours of operation. These facilities must also arrange contingency plans for generator delivery if power remains out beyond 48 hours and renewable generation proves insufficient.

The legislation expands existing emergency planning requirements, directing facilities to document their chosen alternative power source and implementation approach within mandatory disaster preparedness plans. These plans must detail evacuation procedures, assembly points, transportation protocols, and specific provisions for maintaining resident care during extended outages. The State Department of Social Services' Community Care Licensing Division will verify compliance during annual facility inspections.