Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: HB 2135 from the 2024 legislative session amended statutes related to the emergency worker program to include any federally recognized Indian tribe as defined in RCW 43.376.010 as participants. Guidelines for registering, using, and reimbursing emergency workers in chapter 118-04 WAC need to be updated to reflect the inclusion of tribes and their unique needs and priorities. The military department is considering rule making that would amend chapter 118-04 WAC for the purpose of making it consistent with new provisions in HB 2135.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Not applicable.

Process for Developing New Rule: In collaboration with tribal leaders to incorporate the needs and priorities of tribes to include solicitation of feedback and recommendations.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Amy Allbritton, 20 Aviation Drive, Camp Murray, WA 98430, phone 253-921-3502, email amy.allbritton@mil.wa.gov, website https://mil.wa.gov/search-and-rescue-sar-program.