FINAL BILL REPORT
SB 6023
FULL VETO
AS PASSED LEGISLATURE
Brief Description: Transferring emergency management functions from the department of community development to the military department.
SPONSORS: Senators Winsley and Haugen
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT
BACKGROUND:
Since World War II, the state's functions relating to emergency management (disaster planning and response) have been organizationally separate from the Military Department. The original structure was the old Civil Defense Department. In 1986, it was merged into the Department of Community Development as the Division of Emergency Management.
In most instances, emergency management personnel are civilians, and can be mobilized to assist with disasters. However, in any major disaster (like the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980) the Governor mobilizes the Military Department and assigns it the command responsibility.
In 24 states, both functions are performed under the umbrella of the Military Department itself. It has been reported that this combination has increased timely response, efficiency and coordination. The most recent examples have been demonstrated in the severe flood conditions in the Midwest this past summer.
SUMMARY:
The Military Department, instead of the Department of Community Development (DCD), administers the state's comprehensive emergency management program.
The term "director" is defined to mean "adjutant general" for purposes of administering emergency management functions.
Provision is made for the standard transfers of powers and duties, personnel and equipment, rules and pending business and other generic functions from DCD to the Military Department.
The current policy of the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development is codified relating to reimbursement of out-of-jurisdiction fire fighters called into service under a mobilization plan.
VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:
Senate 47 0
House 96 0 (House amended)
Senate 45 0 (Senate concurred)