Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Public Safety Committee |
HB 1047
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning state agencies continuity of operations planning requirements.
Sponsors: Representatives Goodman, Haler, Moscoso, Appleton, Klippert, Muri, Hurst, S. Hunt, Hayes, Orwall, Johnson, MacEwen and Gregerson; by request of Military Department.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/14/15
Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).
Background:
The Washington Military Department, under the direction of the Adjutant General, administers the state's comprehensive program of emergency management. The Adjutant General is responsible for developing a comprehensive, all-hazard emergency plan for the state that includes an analysis of natural, technological, or human-caused hazards, and procedures to coordinate local and state resources in responding to such hazards. In the event of a disaster beyond local control, the Governor, through the Adjutant General, may assume operational control over all or any part of emergency management functions in the state.
In the Governor's directive 13-02, Governor Inslee required that in order for state executive branch organizations to provide essential functions and services during an emergency or disaster that it is essential that each individual agency, board, commission, and council develop a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) for their organization. The COOP plan of each agency must not only ensure its ability to deliver essential functions and services to the citizens of the state during any disaster or emergency, but agencies must coordinate actions to ensure that essential functions that overlap with other agencies continue without interruption.
Summary of Bill:
The Adjutant General is responsible to the Governor for helping to develop and manage a program for interagency coordination and prioritization of continuity of operations planning by state agencies. Each state agency must develop a COOP that is updated and exercised annually in compliance with the program for interagency coordination of continuity of operation planning.
"Continuity of operations planning" is the internal effort of an organization to assure that the capability exists to continue essential functions and services in response to a comprehensive array of potential emergencies or disasters.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 8, 2015.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.