SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6346

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.

Background: The 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 and review administrative rules governing state and local emergency management practices. The Council is limited to 18 members appointed by the adjutant general.

The membership of the council shall include, but not be 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 who have 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 shall elect a chair from within the Council membership. 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 membership of the Council is expanded to include two members representing tribal governments, appointed by the Tribal Advisory Committee (Committee). The Committee is created as a subcommittee of the Council. The Committee consists of up to 29 members, allowing each tribe in the state to appoint a representative. Committee meetings must be held at least annually. The Committee will:

appoint two tribal representatives to serve on the Council, one from an eastern tribe in Washington, and one from a western tribe in Washington;

provide tribal technical expertise to the Council; and
provide important information to the 29 tribes on policies or actions by the Council that may impact any of the tribes.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Council advises the Governor and the Military Department director in the best concepts of emergency management to create a whole community approach to communication. It seems appropriate that the tribes should have some representation on the Council in the state to further these efforts. Tribes have joined together to address issues of mutual concern because it is important to be prepared and share information with the people inside and outside of tribal land. Confusion during an emergency can put cultural sites and resources at risk. Having representation on the Council will help provide clarification regarding how to connect with tribes during an emergency. Tribes have vast amounts of experience living in the region and have important information that can be shared. Tribal representation at the table will ensure that their concerns are represented during conversations regarding these issues. Tribes have built sustainable buildings to support people with the resources that they have, but participating in this process will help further these efforts. This bill opens the door to share information in order to save lives. This would help fill a current gap in this membership of the council, making the Council more inclusive.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Dean Takko, Prime Sponsor; Jason Marquiss, Deputy Director, Emergency Management Division, Washington Military Department; Charlene Nelson, Chair, Shoalwater Bay Tribal; Cal Bray, Emergency Management Coordinator, Chehalis Tribe; Ada McDaniel, Emergency Manager, Muckleshoot Tribe; Cherrie May, Emergency Manager, Suiquamish Tribe.