SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 1496

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Government Operations & Elections, March 26, 2009

Title: An act relating to changing the membership of the state interoperability executive committee.

Brief Description: Changing the membership to the state interoperability executive committee.

Sponsors: House Committee on Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness (originally sponsored by Representatives Roberts, Hurst, O'Brien, Simpson, Hinkle, Van De Wege, Ericks and Sells).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/11/09, 96-0.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/26/09 [DP].

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, McDermott, Pridemore and Swecker.

Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)

Background: The Department of Information Services (DIS) was formed through the consolidation of the state's independent data processing and communications systems in 1987. The DIS provides technology leadership and coordinated planning and management of state information services for state government organizations within Washington. Within the DIS there is a Washington State Information Services Board (Board) that is comprised of 15 members. The Board is generally charged with the following: (1) developing standards and procedures governing the acquisition and disposition of proprietary equipment and licensing of radio spectrums on behalf of state agencies; (2) developing statewide technical policies; (3) reviewing standards for new telecommunications networks; and (4) providing direction concerning strategic planning goals and objectives for the state.

In 2003 the Board established the State Interoperability Executive Committee (Committee) to coordinate the purchasing of all state wireless radio communications system equipment, to take inventory of and evaluate all state and local government-owned public safety communications systems, and to prepare a statewide public safety communications plan. The plan was to set forth recommendations for executive and legislative action to ensure that public safety communications systems can communicate with one another and conform to federal law and regulations governing emergency communication systems and spectrum allocation. The plan was to include specific goals for improving interoperability of public safety communications systems and identifiable benchmarks for achieving those goals.

The membership of the Committee, appointed by the Board, includes, but is not limited to, the following: the Military Department, the Washington State Patrol, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Natural Resources, the DIS, city and county governments, state and local fire chiefs, police chiefs and sheriffs, and state and local emergency management directors. Voting membership of the Committee is limited to 15 members.

Summary of Bill: The membership of the Committee is clarified and expanded. The number of voting members of the Committee is expanded to include a representative of the following entities:

• the local police;

• the State Emergency Managers Association;

• the State Emergency Management Division; and

• a tribal representative.

A representative of the following entities will be requested to participate as nonvoting members of the Committee:

• a federal agency counterpart;

• the state's Urban Area Security Initiative region;

• the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials National Emergency Number Association Chapter; and

• four legislators, one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the Senate, and one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the House of Representatives.

The chair of the Board must appoint the chair or co-chairs of the Committee.

The legislative members serving on the Committee are not eligible for reimbursement for travel expenses. Each nonlegislative member serving on the Committee must seek travel reimbursement through their respective agencies.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: Yes.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Expanding the State Interoperability Executive Committee strengthens the ability to be successful in responding to emergencies. The bill reflects new perspectives on emergencies and ensures that the right balance of people are at the table.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Roberts, prime sponsor; Laura Kingman, Washington State Patrol.