Recognizes that all disasters are local disasters, and intends to strengthen state and local emergency response, mitigation, preparation, and coordination by establishing a stable source of funding with the intent that Washington state become the nationally recognized leader in emergency management. The funding will be dedicated to the development and coordination of state and local government emergency management programs by supporting joint training exercises, citizen and industry coordination with emergency management efforts, public education, and relationship building among local and state emergency management officials.

Requires that, beginning in January 2009 and biennially thereafter, the department shall conduct, in conjunction with the emergency management council, a strategic assessment of, and issue a report on, the ability of state, local, and tribal emergency management organizations to effectively provide for all phases of comprehensive emergency management. The assessment must: (1) Evaluate state, local, and tribal emergency management capabilities and needs;

(2) Evaluate the ability of state, local, and tribal emergency management organizations to provide emergency management mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery;

(3) Evaluate the effectiveness of the emergency management structure at the state, local, and tribal levels;

(4) Provide findings and make recommendations that increase the ability of state, local, and tribal emergency management organizations to meet current and future risks; and

(5) Detail where and for what purpose funds under this act have been distributed.

Requires the joint legislative audit and review committee to study and review the performance of programs implemented under this act.