SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6363
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. |
As of January 30, 2012
Title: An act relating to state fire service mobilization.
Brief Description: Addressing the mobilization of all risk resources during an emergency.
Sponsors: Senators Swecker and Pridemore.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 1/30/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)
Background: State fire service mobilization exists because of the possibility of the occurrence of disastrous fires or other disasters of unprecedented size and destructiveness and the need to ensure that the state is adequately prepared to respond to such a fire or disaster.
Mobilization means that firefighting resources beyond those available through existing agreements will be requested and, when available, sent in response to an emergency or disaster situation that has exceeded the capabilities of available local resources.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Proposed Substitute): For the purposes of state fire service mobilization:
The definition of mobilization is amended to include all risk resources regularly provided by fire departments, fire districts, and regional fire protection authorities.
When mobilization is declared and authorized, all risk resources regularly provided by fire departments, fire districts, and regional fire protection authorities including those of the host fire protection authorities, must be deemed as mobilized including those that responded earlier under existing mutual aid or other agreement.
All risk resources means those resources regularly provided by fire departments, fire districts, and regional fire protection authorities required to respond to incidents such as, but not limited to, wildland fires, earthquakes, floods, rescues, and contagious diseases.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Recently, the AG released an opinion that narrowly interprets current law to only allow fire service mobilization in the event of a fire. Historically, fire service mobilization has been mobilized for natural disasters as well as contagious disease outbreaks. This bill is simple – it clarifies that fire service mobilization can occur when there is a large disaster and local fire service cannot handle the situation without assistance.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Mike Brown, WA Fire Chiefs.