HB 1223 - DIGEST

Finds that the threat of an incident caused by a chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear, or explosive agent occurring in the state poses a severe threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the state of Washington. In order to mitigate any damage that may be caused by CBRNE incidents, it is necessary that the state have a coordinated and comprehensive plan to respond to these dangerous and deadly incidents.

Requires the director to establish and maintain a statewide CBRNE response program. This program must include, without limitation: (1) The division of the state into CBRNE response regions;

(2) A network of regional teams to respond to CBRNE incidents within their respective regions and to operate outside their respective regions to assist other regional teams;

(3) Standards for training, equipment, and procedures for regional teams and other responders concerning responses to CBRNE incidents;

(4) Procedures for reimbursing regional teams for costs incurred by approved responses; and

(5) Procedures for recovering response costs from parties responsible for causing a CBRNE incident.

Declares that the requirement of the program under this act is subject to appropriation by the legislature.

Appropriates the sum of twenty-three million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the director of fire protection for the purposes of this act.