Declares that recognizing that all disasters are local disasters, the legislature therefore intends to strengthen local emergency response, mitigation, preparation, and coordination by establishing a stable source of funding with the intent that Washington state become the nationally recognized leader in emergency management. The funding will be dedicated to the development and coordination of local government emergency management programs by encouraging joint training, citizen and industry involvement, public education, and relationship building among local and state emergency management officials.

Provides that, beginning in January 2008 and biennially thereafter, the department must conduct in conjunction with the emergency management council a strategic assessment of, and issue a report on, the ability of state, local, and tribal emergency management organizations to effectively provide for all phases of comprehensive emergency management. The assessment must: (1) Evaluate state, local, and tribal emergency management capabilities and needs;

(2) Evaluate the ability of state, local, and tribal emergency management organizations to provide emergency management mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery;

(3) Evaluate the effectiveness of the emergency management structure at the state, local, and tribal levels;

(4) Provide findings and make recommendations that increase the ability of state, local, and tribal emergency management organizations to meet current and future risks; and

(5) Detail where and for what purpose funds under section 3(1)(b) of this act have been distributed.

Requires the joint legislative audit and review committee to study and review the performance of programs implemented under this act.