FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5255

C 98 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Exempting certain information on criminal acts from public disclosure.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Kastama, Regala and Costa).

Senate Committee on Judiciary

House Committee on State Government

Background:  In October 1999, the Governor directed the Washington State Emergency Management Council (EMC), a statutory multi-jurisdictional body charged with assessing public safety risk and making recommendations on public policy regarding emergency management, to plan for and respond to criminal terrorist incidents, including the use of explosive devices, cyberterrorism, and chemical, biological or radiological attacks.

Public agencies across the state have started the task of conducting vulnerability assessments and developing emergency response plans for incidents involving the domestic use of chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological weapons, as well as domestic acts of terrorism involving conventional weapons with catastrophic consequences.

The EMC is asking the Legislature to exempt such plans from disclosure through the Public Disclosure Act.

Summary:  Those portions of records of public agencies containing specific and unique vulnerability assessments or response plans intended to prevent or mitigate criminal acts of terrorism are exempt from public inspection and copying, if the public release has a substantial likelihood of threatening public safety.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate480

House     93 0

Effective:  July 22, 2001