HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                    HB  1308

Brief Description:  Providing additional exemptions from state law for the handling of hazardous devices.

Sponsors:  Representatives Mielke, McMorris, Mulliken, Sterk and McDonald

                  Hearing:  February 3, 1997

BACKGROUND:

The Washington State Explosives Act governs the manufacture, use, and handling of explosives.  The Department of Labor and Industries approves the use of explosives.  No person may manufacture, possess, store, sell, purchase, transport, or use explosives unless licensed by the department.

Certain uses are exempt from the explosives act.  For example, the normal and emergency operations of federal agencies, including the military, involving transportation, storage, and use of explosives are exempt.  Only emergency operations of state agencies, police, and any municipality or county involving such activity are exempt.

Local government explosive disposal (bomb) units may be subject to restrictions under the Explosives Act when handling and storing explosives.  Certain training exercises conducted with explosive materials and other normal operations of the unit are restricted by regulations governing the handling and possession of explosives.

SUMMARY OF BILL:

Certain work by a hazardous devices technician is exempt from the state Explosives Act.  Exempt activity includes performing normal and emergency operations, handling evidence, and operating and maintaining specially designed emergency response vehicles that carry no more than 10 pounds of explosive material.  Training activities conducted by a hazardous devices technician whose employer possesses the minimum safety equipment prescribed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation are also exempt.  A hazardous devices technician is a person who has graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation hazardous devices school and who is employed by a state, county, or municipality.

RULES AUTHORITY:   The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule-making powers of an agency.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.