SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SHB 2791

       AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, FEBRUARY 28, 1992

Brief Description:  Improving the state's earthquake readiness.

SPONSORS: House Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Representatives Jacobsen, Nelson, May, Fraser, Bray, Valle, Paris, Winsley and Pruitt)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means. 

      Signed by Senators Thorsness, Chairman; Saling, Vice Chairman; Jesernig, Nelson, Patterson, Stratton, Sutherland, and Williams.

Staff:  Andrew Scott (786‑7198)

Hearing Dates: February 28, 1992

BACKGROUND:

In 1986, the state Seismic Safety Advisory Council prepared a report on the danger of a major earthquake in this state, and suggested a number of measures which could be taken to improve the state's earthquake readiness.

In 1990, the Legislature directed the Department of Community  Development (DCD), in consultation with the Seismic Safety  Advisory Committee, to review the state's earthquake preparedness and make recommendations for improvement.

This review has been completed and presented to the Legislature, and the dangers of a probable major earthquake outlined in the 1986 report were reaffirmed.

The DCD recommendations included the proposed establishment of a state coordinating and planning body to guide the state's earthquake preparedness.

SUMMARY:

The Director of the Department of Community Development is directed to promote improvement of the state's earthquake readiness.

The State Earthquake Preparedness Committee is created and will consist of:  (1) The Director of the Department of Community Development or a designee; (2) the Commissioner of Public Lands or a designee; (3) the Secretary of the Department of Transportation or a designee; (4) the chair of the Utilities and Transportation Commission or a designee; (5) the Superintendent of Public Instruction or a designee; (6) the Director of the Department of General Administration or a designee; and (7) 13 other members appointed by the Governor from local governments, the academic community, and the private sector.

The Director of the Department of Community Development, or his or her designee, will serve as chair of the committee.

The Earthquake Preparedness Committee is directed to maintain current information on the status of earthquake readiness and to coordinate and promote the programs necessary to accomplish improved earthquake response capabilities throughout the state.

By June 30, 1994, the committee must prepare a five-year readiness improvement plan which must be updated annually.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:  None

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  No one