Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs Committee |
HB 2320
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 the creation of a work group to study and make recommendations on natural disaster mitigation and resiliency activities.
Sponsors: Representatives Reeves, Stanford, Bergquist, Tarleton, Slatter, Shea, Barkis, Senn and Ryu; by request of Insurance Commissioner.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 1/11/18
Staff: Travis Yonker (786-7383).
Background:
Many states, including Washington, have embarked on efforts to mitigate loss from future disasters, including earthquakes, floods, and fires. For instance, in 2012, Washington’s Emergency Management Council’s Seismic Safety Committee issued a report and recommendations on improving statewide recovery after an earthquake. Other public entities, such as the California Earthquake Authority, aim to assist in the recovery process following a natural disaster.
Summary of Bill:
A working group is created to study natural disaster and resiliency activities currently being done in Washington, other states, and at the federal level. The working group will also review information on uptake in Washington for disaster-related insurance.
The working group will consist of 12 members, including the following:
the insurance commissioner, or a designee, as the chair of the working group;
one member from each of the four legislative caucuses;
a representative from the governor’s resilient Washington work group;
a representative from the Washington state association of counties;
a representative from the association of Washington cities;
a representative from the state building code council;
the supervisor of the department of natural resources or designee;
the director of the Washington state military department or designee; and
a representative from the property and casualty insurance industry.
The working group will meet during the 2018 interim and, by December 1, 2018, make recommendations on the following:
whether Washington should create an ongoing disaster resiliency program;
the activities in which such a program should engage;
how the program should coordinate with state agencies and other entities; and
how the program should be funded.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/8/18.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.