Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS

Technology, Energy & Communications Committee

HB 2225


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: Regarding a statewide enhanced 911 emergency radio network to improve public notification during an ongoing emergency.

Sponsors: Representatives Anderson and Wood.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Establishes a work group to study how to improve the delivery of emergency information to the public in the event of an ongoing emergency.

Hearing Date: 2/27/07

Staff: Kara Durbin (786-7133).

Background:

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) was established by the Federal Communications Commission in 1994. It replaced its predecessor, the Emergency Broadcast System (EBS). The EAS is designed to provide the President with a means to address the citizens of the United States in the event of a national emergency. State and local level emergency information may also be transmitted using the EAS.

The EAS may be activated by emergency management agencies at the state or local level and by the National Weather Service. Broadcast stations receive and rebroadcast the EAS messages, but do not initiate activation of the system.

Summary of Bill:

The Adjutant General must establish a work group to study how to enhance the delivery of emergency information to the general public in the event of an ongoing emergency.

The workgroup must include the following members:

The work group must consider the following issues:

The Adjutant General must submit a report to the Legislature and the Governor by December 1, 2007, indicating recommendations for enhancing the delivery of emergency information to the public.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.