SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 1218

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Judiciary, March 21, 2003

Title: An act relating to the creation of a statewide first responder building mapping information system.

Brief Description: Creating a building mapping information system.

Sponsors: House Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Lovick, Mielke, O'Brien, Ahern, Kagi, Wallace, Darneille, Miloscia, Pearson, Delvin, Romero, Moeller, Dickerson, Rockefeller, Haigh, Kirby, Pettigrew, Chase, Veloria, Quall, McDermott, Dunshee, McCoy and Hunt).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Judiciary: 3/20/03, 3/21/03 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chair; Esser, Vice Chair; Brandland, Hargrove, Haugen, Johnson, Roach and Thibaudeau.

Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)

Background: Building map information can include floor plans, fire protection information, evacuation plans, utility information, known hazards, and other information important to emergency personnel responding to disasters or emergencies. Police and fire fighters are first responders and can use building mapping information to respond to disasters, criminal acts, and acts of terrorism.

Summary of Amended Bill: When funded, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) creates and operates a statewide first responder building mapping information system. WASPC pursues federal funds to create the system and provides grants for the mapping of all state and local government buildings. After the system is operational, all state and local governments must use software that complies with the standards adopted by WASPC. Local governments using noncompliant software prior to adoption of standards may continue to do so until WASPC provides funding for the change. WASPC, in cooperation with the Washington State Emergency Management Office, Washington State Patrol, and Washington State Fire Chief's Association, develops guidelines regarding the information to be included, software standards, priorities for building mapping, protocols for how and with whom the information can be shared, and training.

All state and local government-owned buildings must be mapped when funding is provided by WASPC or other sources. Federally, privately, or tribally-owned buildings may be voluntarily mapped. The mapping information is given to WASPC, who electronically makes the information available to all state, local, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies and fire departments, as well as the Washington State Military Department.

Units of local government and their employees are immune from civil liability for damages arising out of the creation or use of the building mapping information, unless they acted with gross negligence or bad faith. Building mapping information regarding specific intelligence and investigation records is exempt from public disclosure.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill: It is clarified that the statewide first responder building mapping information system is for a limited and specific purpose and does not preclude other local building mapping efforts. Public disclosure is allowed except for specific intelligence and investigation records.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: This information system will enhance the safety of first responders and allow them to act more quickly. The information will be easily accessed in a central location.

Testimony Against: CONCERNS: The public should have limited access to this information so they can be assured that tax dollars are being wisely spent (amendment resolved this concern).

Testified: PRO: Ralph Munro, Prepared A Response; Tim Shellberg, WASPC; Sheriff Joe Hawe, Clallam County; CONCERNS: Rowland Thompson, Allied Daily Newspapers.