SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1187

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Judiciary, March 29, 2001

Title:  An act relating to the public disclosure of specific and unique information related to criminal acts of terrorism.

Brief Description:  Exempting certain information on criminal acts from public disclosure.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Haigh, Miloscia, Darneille, McMorris, Lambert, Reardon, Dunshee, O'Brien, Delvin, Talcott, Campbell, G. Chandler, Quall, Anderson, Alexander, Schoesler, Esser and D. Schmidt; by request of Military Department).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Judiciary:  3/29/01 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Kline, Chair; Constantine, Vice Chair; Hargrove, Johnson, Kastama, Long, McCaslin, Roach, Thibaudeau and Zarelli.

Staff:  Dick Armstrong (786‑7460)

Background:  In October 1999, the Governor directed the Washington State Emergency Management Council (EMC), a statutory multi-jurisdictional body charged with assessing public safety risk and making recommendations on public policy regarding emergency management, to plan for and respond to criminal terrorist=s incidents, including the use of explosive devices, cyberterrorism, and chemical, biological or radiological attacks.

Public agencies across the state have started the task of conducting vulnerability assessments and developing emergency response plans for incidents involving the domestic use of chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological weapons, as well as domestic acts of terrorism involving conventional weapons with catastrophic consequences.

The EMC is asking the Legislature to exempt such plans from disclosure through the Public Disclosure Act.

Summary of Bill:  Those portions of records of public agencies containing specific and unique vulnerability assessments or response plans intended to prevent or mitigate criminal acts of terrorism are exempt from public inspection and copying, if the public release has a substantial likelihood of threatening public safety.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.