BILL REQ. #:  S-4189.1 

Read first time 01/17/08.   Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.

     AN ACT Relating to establishing standards for emergency preparedness kits; and adding a new section to chapter 43.19 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 43.19 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The department of general administration, in consultation with a representative of the emergency management division of the military department and at least two vendors of emergency preparedness kits from the private sector, shall establish purchasing and procurement policies and safety standards that establish a preference for emergency preparedness kits that are purchased or acquired by a state or local agency.
     At a minimum, the procurement policies and safety standards shall include the following:
     (a) How expiration dates shall be displayed on each kit representing the shelf life of each kit and the contents therein;
     (b) How each emergency preparedness kit, pouch, or container containing the basic essentials are in compliance with the federal environmental protection agency standards;
     (c) How each emergency preparedness kit purchased or procured meets or exceeds any federal regulations or procurement standards governing emergency preparedness kits purchased on the federal level;
     (d) What state agency shall have oversight responsibility for selecting the vendor or vendors from whom any state or local agency may purchase or acquire emergency preparedness kits and ensuring that such kits meet the safety standards established in (a) through (c) of this subsection.
     (2) For the purposes of this section, "emergency preparedness kit" means 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.
     (3) The department of general administration shall submit a report to the legislature by December 1, 2008, on: (a) The emergency preparedness kit safety standards established in subsection (1) of this section; and (b) what state agencies currently purchase or acquire emergency preparedness kits for public distribution.