2299-S AMH SHEA FRAS 806

SHB 2299 - H AMD TO H AMD (H-5008.1/18) 1109

By Representative Shea

ADOPTED 02/23/2018

    On page 408, after line 28, insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 917.  A new section is added to 2017 3rd sp. s. c 1 (uncodified) to read as follows:

    (1) The legislature finds that the frequency and severity of natural disasters are taking a toll on states and their budgets and has stressed federal agencies and their capacity to respond.  While the highest priority in preparing for and responding to disasters is saving lives, defining, protecting, and restoring critical infrastructure is crucial to saving lives and helping people and communities recover and rebuild.

    (2) The joint legislative task force on critical infrastructure is established with membership as follows:

    (a) The chair and ranking minority member of the senate committees on: (i) state government, tribal relations, and elections; and (ii) energy, environment, and technology;

    (b) One member from each of the two largest caucuses in the senate appointed by the president of the senate;

    (c) The chair and ranking minority member of the house of representative committees on: (i) community development, housing, and tribal affairs; and (ii) public safety; and

    (d) One member from each of the two largest caucuses in the house of representatives appointed by the speaker.

    (3) The task force shall choose a chair or co-chairs from among its members.  The chair of the senate state government, tribal relations, and elections committee and the chair of the house of representatives community development, housing, and tribal affairs committee will convene the first meeting of the task force.

(4) The task force must, among other things:

    (a) Make a recommendation for funding an all hazard mitigation analysis;

    (b) Analyze levels of insurance and the viability of parametric insurance;

    (c) Review current approaches and plans for reducing loss of life, mitigating property losses, and recovering and rebuilding in the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophe;

    (d) Define critical infrastructure that must be protected and restored in order to reduce loss of life, mitigate property losses, and enable communities to recover and rebuild in the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophe; and

    (e) Make findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation if applicable, on protecting and restoring critical infrastructure in the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophe.

    (5) The task force should seek input broadly, particularly from experts at all levels of government, tribes, and the private sector, and include both standard and innovative approaches to rebuild and recover, including financing these efforts.  Examples of monetary assistance includes federal disaster programs for public and private recovery efforts, state and local bonding for public infrastructure, and insurance, including parametric insurance policies.

    (6) The task force will be staffed by the house office of program research and senate committee services.

    (7) The task force shall report its findings and any recommendations or proposed legislation to the committees identified in subsection (2)(a) and (2)(c) of this section by December 15, 2018.

    (8) This section expires on December 31, 2018."

    Renumber the remaining sections consecutively and correct internal references accordingly.

    Correct the title.

EFFECT:   Establishes a twelve-member Joint Legislative Task Force on Critical Infrastructure.  Directs the Task Force to report to appropriate legislative committees by December 15, 2018, regarding critical infrastructure that must be protected and restored to reduce loss of life, mitigate property losses and enable community recovery in the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophe. 

FISCAL IMPACT: No net change to appropriated levels.

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