HB 2550

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee

HB 2550

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 standards for emergency preparedness kits.

Sponsors: Representatives Goodman, Lantz and Pearson.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires the Department of General Administration to establish state standards for the purchasing and procurement of emergency preparedness kits.

Hearing Date: 1/16/08

Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).

Background:

An emergency preparedness kit is known as a kit that is designed to provide essential items that a person will need during or after a disaster. Generally, a kit is intended for storage at home, and to be used at home or in a place where someone may go if local authorities ask for an evacuation. Although the contents of an emergency preparedness kit can vary depending on where it is produced or purchased, generally a typical kit may include such items as the following: a limited amount of food and water, first-aid kit, flashlight, radio, medications, and other items as may be necessary to get a person through an emergency situation. A person can purchase an emergency preparedness kit from various retailers, nonprofit organizations, over the Internet, or may even choose to prepare his or her own individual emergency preparedness kit to accommodate personal needs.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of General Administration (GA) is required to establish purchasing and procurement policies and safety standards for emergency preparedness kits that are purchased or acquired by a state or local agency. In developing these policies, the GA must consult with the Emergency Management Division of the Military Department and a minimum of two private sector vendors that supply emergency preparedness kits.

At a minimum, the policies and safety standards for the emergency preparedness kits must include the following:

How expiration dates are to be displayed on each kit representing the shelf life of each kit and the kit's contents.
How each kit, pouch, or container containing the basic essentials are in compliance with the standards established by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency.
How each kit procured meets or exceeds any federal regulations or procurement standards governing emergency preparedness kits purchased on the federal level.
What state agency should oversight responsibility for selecting the vendor from whom a state or local agency may acquire emergency preparedness kits and ensuring that the kits meet established state safety standards.

An "emergency preparedness kit" is defined as a supply of basic essentials for one person that includes, but is not limited to, water, food, a first-aid kit, and special items for infants and elder care.

The GA is required to submit a report to the Legislature by December 1, 2008. The report must include the established emergency preparedness kit safety standards and a list of those state agencies that currently purchase or acquire emergency preparedness kits for public distribution.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 9, 2008.

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