HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1200

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 House Committee On:

Housing, Community Development & Veterans

Title: An act relating to addressing catastrophic incidents that are natural or human-caused emergencies by providing guidance that may be used by state public schools to plan for seismic catastrophic incidents.

Brief Description: Addressing catastrophic incidents that are natural or human-caused emergencies by providing guidance that may be used by state public schools to plan for seismic catastrophic incidents.

Sponsors: Representatives Dolan, Mosbrucker, Leavitt, Klippert, Kilduff, Reeves, Goodman, Tarleton, Chapman and Doglio; by request of Military Department.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Housing, Community Development & Veterans: 1/29/19, 1/30/19 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires the Washington Military Department to include a catastrophic incident emergency response plan in the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.

  • Requires the Washington Military Department, in consultation with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, to develop guidance for catastrophic incident plans for local schools.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & VETERANS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Ryu, Chair; Morgan, Vice Chair; Gildon, Ranking Minority Member; Barkis, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Corry, Entenman, Frame, Leavitt and Reeves.

Staff: Serena Dolly (786-7150).

Background:

The Washington Military Department, under the direction of the Adjutant General, administers the state's comprehensive program of emergency management. The Adjutant General is responsible for developing a comprehensive, all-hazard emergency plan for the state, known as the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, that includes an analysis of natural, technological, or human-caused hazards and procedures to coordinate state and local resources in responding to such hazards.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Summary of Bill:

A catastrophic incident is defined as any natural or human-caused emergency or disaster event, including terrorism and enemy attack, that is expected to result in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the population, infrastructure, environment, economy, or government functions.

The Adjutant General must develop and maintain a catastrophic incident emergency response plan to be included in the state's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. The catastrophic incident emergency response plan must include an analysis of the natural, technological, or human-caused hazards that could affect the state and the procedures to coordinate state and local resources.

In consultation with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Adjutant General must develop guidance that may be used by local school districts in developing, maintaining, training, and exercising catastrophic incident plans.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Washington Military Department have a history of working together on emergency response. This bill places those efforts in statute. It adds a definition of catastrophic incident and requires the development of guidance for schools. Washington is one of the most hazard-prone areas of the country, and this bill is a crucial first step in ensuring safety for school children.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Dolan, prime sponsor; and Robert Ezelle, Washington Military Department.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.