SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5405
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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
State Government, February 17, 2017
Title: An act relating to protection for occupants of national guard facilities.
Brief Description: Requiring protection for occupants of national guard facilities.
Sponsors: Senators Wilson, Fortunato and Zeiger.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: State Government: 2/03/17, 2/17/17 [DP-WM].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
Signed by Senators Miloscia, Chair; Zeiger, Vice Chair; Hunt, Ranking Minority Member; Kuderer and Pearson.
Staff: Melissa Van Gorkom (786-7491)
Background: The Washington National Guard includes more than 8000 soldiers and airmen and is headquartered at Camp Murray, WA. The term National Guard means that part of the military force of the state that is organized, equipped and federally recognized under the provisions of the National Defense Act of the United States. The Governor can order the National and State Guard to active state service when an event, such as a natural or man-made disaster, occurs or when there is an imminent threat to public health and safety under the provisions of RCW 38.08.040.
The Military Department maintains recruiting centers, armories, and other facilities for the Washington National Guard that are not located on a secure military installation such as Camp Murray or Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). These facilities can be occupied by service members or by the public.
Summary of Bill: The Military Department is required to provide adequate protection for occupants of National Guard facilities, to include but not limited to:
the use of armed security personnel;
security cameras;
locking devices;
obscuration;
ballistic barriers;
soft body armor;
magnetometers;
other protective equipment; and
specialized training in avoiding, preparing, or responding to threats facing National Guard facilities.
National Guard facilities means recruiting offices and other facilities not located on a secure military installation.
Adequate protection is determined by an assessment of possible threats and vulnerabilities of a National Guard facility.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: We need to do what we can to protect these facilities, it is the least that we can do to protect them considering what they do for the state. Many governors have authorized arming of these facilities in recent years after what occurred in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This would provide the items needed to secure our National Guard facilities.
OTHER: The National Guard ensures our people and communities are protected. Unfortunately, the uniform has made them a target in recent years. Our state is not immune to such threats. The state has been able to secure federal funding to help with some enhancements of our facilities but it was only a small improvement. Ultimately, these facilities are under the jurisdiction and control of the state. We need the help of the state to provide these safety measures for these facilities to increase the protection of our members and the public.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Lynda Wilson, Prime Sponsor; Ted Wicorek, Veterans Legislative Coalition. OTHER: MG Bret Daugherty, Director, Washington Military Department, Adjutant General, Commander, WA National Guard.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.