HB 1840

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Technology, Energy & Communications Committee

HB 1840

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Establishing a pilot project to design and test a command and control data system.

Sponsors: Representatives Anderson, O'Brien, Pearson and Kessler.

Brief Summary of Bill

Creates a pilot project to test a command and control data system.

Hearing Date: 2/9/07

Staff: Kara Durbin (786-7133).

Background:

Computer based Command, Control, and Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) programs create a common operating picture through a computer-based geographic information system (GIS). A C4ISR or a command and control data system is designed to manage large amounts of simultaneous communications in a visual environment. These programs are used extensively by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) in its military operations.

Summary of Bill:

The Adjutant General shall establish a pilot project to design and test a command and control data system. This program must be developed with a local emergency management organization.

The project must have the following capabilities:

compatibility with existing, legacy emergency radio systems;
integration capability with the United States Department of Defense's command and control personal computer application;
open architecture design;
automated reporting and tracking in a geographic information systems environment; and
redundant communications pathways, including satellite links.

The Adjutant General shall report to the Legislature and the Governor by December 1, 2008.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 5, 2007.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed. However, the bill is null and void if not funded in the budget.