Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Community & Economic Development Committee
SB 5101
Brief Description: Establishing tribal representation on the emergency management council.
Sponsors: Senators Stanford, Conway, Dhingra, Hasegawa, Hunt, Nguyen, Randall, Salda?a, Wagoner and Wilson, C.; by request of Military Department.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Adds two representatives of federally recognized tribes to the Emergency Management Council.
Hearing Date: 3/10/21
Staff: Kyle Raymond (786-7190).
Background:

The Emergency Management Council (Council) advises the Governor and the adjutant general on all matters pertaining to state and local emergency management. 

 

The Council must prepare an annual assessment of statewide emergency preparedness, including, specific progress on hazard mitigation and reduction efforts, implementation of seismic safety improvements, reduction of flood hazards, and coordination of hazardous materials planning and response activities.  The Council must also review administrative rules governing state and local emergency management practices and recommend necessary revisions to the adjutant general. 

 

The Council is limited to 18 members appointed by the adjutant general.  The membership of the Council includes, but is not limited to, representatives of:

  • city and county governments;
  • sheriffs and police chiefs;
  • the Washington State Patrol;
  • the Military Department;
  • the Department of Ecology;
  • state and local fire chiefs;
  • seismic safety experts;
  • state and local emergency management directors;
  • search and rescue volunteers;
  • medical professions with expertise in emergency medical care;
  • building officials;
  • private industry representatives with knowledge in emergency and hazardous materials management; and
  • the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

 
The Council members elect a chair from within the Council membership.  The Council may appoint ad hoc committees, subcommittees, and working groups required to develop specific recommendations to improve of emergency management practices, standards, policies, or procedures.  The members of the Council serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

 
Summary of Bill:

The Council may consist of not more than 20 members.  The membership of the Council includes two representatives of federally recognized tribes.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.