Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
State Government Committee

SJM 8038

Brief Description:  Asking the federal government for cooperation with the military facilities task force.

Sponsors:  Senators Haugen, B. Sheldon, Oke, Swecker, Rasmussen, Shin, Gardner, Roach, Hale and Costa.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Requests from the federal government participation by the U.S. military with the Washington Military Facilities Task Force.

Hearing Date:  2/28/02

Staff:  Kimberly Berry (786‑7291).

Background:

The federal National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 requires that a fifth round of military base closings begin in March 2005.  There have been four rounds of military base closings since 1988, with 451 installations closed to date.  There are seven major military bases  located in Washington.

Military base infrastructure costs are being reduced through Department of Defense programs that outsource and privatize base support services and activities.  Examples include the military housing privatization initiative, and the privatization of the on‑base portion of military utility systems.

In Washington there is no formal governmental structure to facilitate the combined efforts of the Governor, the Legislature, local governments, private industry and the U.S. military to avert the closure of military facilities located in the state.

Summary of Bill:

The President, Congress and the Secretary of Defense are informed that Washington places the highest priority on the continuation of military activities at Washington military bases.  To avoid the closure of these bases, Washington recognizes the need to privatize base support infrastructure. The Legislature expects to establish the Military Facilities Task Force to create the legislative framework required to facilitate privatization.  Congress is asked to assure full and prompt participation by the U.S. military with the Military Facilities Task Force.

Rulemaking Authority: No express authority.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.