Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Public Safety Committee |
HB 2214
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Removing the prohibition on planning for a nuclear attack in emergency management plans.
Sponsors: Representatives Muri, Pike and Haler.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/22/18
Staff: Omeara Harrington (786-7136).
Background:
The Washington Military Department, under the direction of the Adjutant General, administers the state's comprehensive program of emergency management. Emergency management includes preparation for and carrying out of all emergency functions to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters, to aid victims suffering from injury or damage resulting from disasters, and to provide support for search and rescue operations.
The Adjutant General is responsible for developing a comprehensive, all-hazard emergency plan for the state that includes an analysis of natural, technological, or human-caused hazards, and procedures to coordinate local and state resources in responding to such hazards. With respect to federally owned areas, the Adjutant General may agree with the federal government or other agencies upon a plan of emergency management that may or may not conform to all state law requirements, with a view to integrating federally owned areas into the state comprehensive emergency management plan. Each political subdivision of the state is directed to establish a local organization or to be a member of a joint local organization for emergency management in accordance with the state comprehensive emergency management plan and program.
Emergency management, as defined, excludes planning for a nuclear attack. Neither the comprehensive emergency management plan nor any agreed federal-area emergency management plan may include preparation for emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of a nuclear attack. No political subdivision may be required to include in its local emergency management plan provisions for the emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of nuclear attack.
Summary of Bill:
Provisions are removed that exclude nuclear attack planning form the definition of emergency management, and that prohibit the state comprehensive emergency management plan and agreed federal area plans from including preparation for emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of a nuclear attack.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 19, 2018.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.