Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Housing, Community Development & Veterans Committee

HB 1419

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 MacEwen and Shea.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Eliminates a prohibition on including in emergency management plans preparation for emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of nuclear attack.

Hearing Date: 1/29/19

Staff: Cassie Jones (786-7303).

Background:

The Washington Military Department, under the direction of the Adjutant General, administers the state's comprehensive program of emergency management. "Emergency management" is defined as the preparation for and the carrying out of all emergency functions, other than functions for which the military forces are primarily responsible, to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters, and to aid victims suffering from injury or damage, resulting from disasters caused by all hazards, whether natural, technological, or human caused, and to provide support for search and rescue operations for persons and property in distress. "Emergency management" does not include preparation for emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of a nuclear attack.

The Adjutant General is responsible for developing and maintaining the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (Comprehensive Plan) for the state. The Comprehensive Plan:

The Adjutant General may, with approval of the Governor and agreement of the federal government, develop a plan of emergency management applicable to federally owned areas within Washington. The plan may not include preparation for emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of nuclear attack.

Summary of Bill:

The prohibition on preparing for emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of nuclear attack is removed from the definition of emergency management. The Military Department is no longer prohibited from including preparation for emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of nuclear attack in the Comprehensive Plan and emergency management plans for federally owned areas within Washington.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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