Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Select Committee on Community Security Committee

HB 2853

Brief Description:  Requiring the emergency management council to identify critical infrastructure in the state.

Sponsors:  Representatives Morris, Hurst, Schmidt, Barlean, Buck, Simpson, Schual‑Berke, Cooper, Haigh, Benson, Ballasiotes, O'Brien, Anderson, Chase, Upthegrove, Linville and Rockefeller.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Requires the Emergency Management Council to identify critical infrastructure within the state and prioritize infrastructure in need of protection.

$Requires the Emergency Management Council to facilitate efforts to develop regional plans for management and restoration of critical functions.

Hearing Date:  2/5/02

Staff:  Caroleen Dineen (786‑7156).

Background:

The state Military Department (Military Department) administers a comprehensive program of emergency management in the state.  The Adjutant General, who serves as director of the Military Department, is required to develop an "all hazard" comprehensive emergency management plan including an analysis of the natural, technological, or human‑caused hazards that could affect the state.  With the Governor's approval, the Adjutant General may agree with federal officials on an emergency management plan for federally owned areas within the state. 

Each county, city, and town must establish a local organization or join a joint local organization for emergency management.  Each local organization must submit an emergency management plan to the Adjutant General for recommendations and verification of consistency with the state plan.

The Emergency Management Council (Council) is a 17‑member council appointed by the Governor to advise the Governor and the Adjutant General on state and local emergency management matters.  The Council includes representatives of at least the following:

$city and county governments;

$sheriffs and police chiefs;

$Washington State Patrol;

$Military Department;

$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; and

$private industry members who are knowledgeable in emergency and hazardous materials management.

Among other duties, the Council must ensure the Governor receives an annual assessment of state‑wide emergency preparedness that considers numerous factors.

Summary of Bill:

The Council is required to identify infrastructure within the state that is critical to regional economic stability and security.  The Council's identification of critical infrastructure must be done in cooperation with the public and the private sectors.  The Council must assess the vulnerability of various critical infrastructures and prioritize infrastructures most in need of protection.  The Council must report its conclusions and recommendations to the Governor and the appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 1, 2002.  The Council is also required to facilitate and participate in efforts to develop regional plans for management and restoration of critical functions, which may require coordination with other states, federal agencies, and neighboring nations.

Legislative intent is included to recognize the state's dependence on reliable functioning of complex infrastructure, including energy, water, transportation, and communications systems.  Legislative intent also recognizes the government's responsibility to participate in and facilitate the development of a regional approach for protecting critical infrastructure.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.