Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Public Safety Committee |
SSB 5405
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: Requiring protection for occupants of national guard facilities.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Wilson, Fortunato and Zeiger).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/13/17
Staff: Kelly Leonard (786-7147).
Background:
The Washington State Military Department (Department) is composed of several major operational divisions under the command of the Adjutant General, including the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, State Guard, Emergency Department, Washington Youth Academy, and State and Federal Support Services.
The National Guard is a military force of the state that is organized, equipped and federally recognized under the provisions of the National Defense Act of the United States. The Governor can order the National Guard to active state service when an event, such as a natural or manmade disaster, occurs or when there is an imminent threat to public health and safety. The National Guard is headquartered at Camp Murray.
The Department maintains recruiting centers, armories, and other facilities for the National Guard that are not located on a secure military installation.
Summary of Bill:
Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the Department must provide adequate protection for occupants of National Guard recruiting offices and other facilities not located on a secure military installation.
Adequate protection is determined by an assessment of possible threats and vulnerabilities of a facility. Adequate measures to protect occupants include, but are not limited to:
the use of armed security personnel;
security cameras;
locking devices;
obscuration;
ballistic barriers;
soft body armor;
magnetometers;
other protective equipment; and
specialized training in avoiding, preparing, or responding to threats facing National Guard facilities.
Except for the use of armed security personnel, the costs of providing protection are "one time" costs.
The bill specifically does not create a private right of action.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.