HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. HB 1761

Revising provisions mutual aid/ interlocal agreements     Public Hrg: 2/21/97 

Brief Title

Reps. D. Schmidt/Scott/Thomas                        Staff Contact: S. Lundin

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7127

BACKGROUND:

Each county and city is required to establish a local organization for emergency management and prepare a local emergency management plan.  The adjutant general may allow two or more counties or cities to establish a single local organization.

The adjutant general develops a state emergency management program.

The director of each local organization for emergency management may enter into mutual aid arrangements with other public and private agencies in the state for aid and assistance in case of a disaster too great to be dealt with unassisted.  These mutual aid arrangements must be consistent with the state emergency management plan and program.

If approved by the Governor, the adjutant general and directors of local organizations for emergency management may enter into mutual aid arrangements with emergency management agencies or organizations in other states for reciprocal emergency management aid and assistance in case of a disaster too great to be dealt with unassisted.

SUMMARY:

The existing statute providing for interstate and intrastate mutual aid agreements is repealed and a new statute with somewhat similar provisions in enacted.  Much of the detail from the existing statute relating to interstate civil defense compacts is not included in the new statute.

A mutual aid agreement or compact may include conditions when the mutual aid is provided, including: (1) Which authorities may request and receive assistance and the conditions when a request may be made; (2) how a request for aid is approved; (3) control over personnel and equipment that is provided; and (4) situations when the jurisdiction providing the aid may withdraw the aid.

                                                     Continued

HB 1761 - Page 2

A mutual aid agreement or compact must define terms of reimbursement and privileges and immunities enjoyed by both the jurisdiction providing the aid and individuals from the jurisdiction providing the aid.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

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