SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2680

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 March 2, 2020

Title: An act relating to establishing tribal representation on the emergency management council.

Brief Description: Establishing tribal representation on the emergency management council.

Sponsors: Representatives Chapman, Jenkin, Steele, Walsh, Tarleton, Ortiz-Self, Gildon, Tharinger, Springer, Santos, Kretz and Pollet.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/18/20, 97-0.

Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/26/20, 2/28/20 [DP-WM].

Ways & Means: 2/29/20.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Adds two members from tribal governments to the Emergency Management Council (Council).

  • Creates a Tribal Advisory Committee as a subcommittee of the Council.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

Signed by Senators Hunt, Chair; Kuderer, Vice Chair; Zeiger, Ranking Member; Muzzall, Assistant Ranking Member; Hasegawa, Hawkins and Takko.

Staff: Melissa Van Gorkom (786-7491)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff: Jed Herman (786-7346)

Background: The Council advises the Governor and the adjutant general on all matters pertaining to state and local emergency management. The Council must prepare an annual assessment of statewide emergency preparedness and review administrative rules governing state and local emergency management practices. The Council is limited to 18 members appointed by the adjutant general.

The membership of the council shall include, but not be limited to, representatives of:

The Council members shall elect a chair from within the Council membership. The members of the Council serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

Summary of Bill: The membership of the Council is expanded to include two members representing tribal governments, appointed by the Tribal Advisory Committee (Committee). The Committee is created as a subcommittee of the Council. The Committee consists of up to 29 members, allowing each tribe in the state to appoint a representative. Committee meetings must be held at least annually. The Committee will:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections): PRO: The Washington emergency management system has a dangerous gap. The Council holds seats for cities, counties and other partners but not tribal representation. Twenty-nine sovereign nations are not at the table, or part of the planning and strategies to protect Washington citizens. States and locals do not have jurisdictions over these 29 nations or tribal lands. It is imperative that tribal representation is a part of local, state and federal management operations to make sure that things happen. A number of years ago during the avian flu epidemic, the vaccinations were being distributed across the state but not all tribes got the vaccine. Fires, floods, diseases and other disasters do not stop at jurisdictional boarders. There needs to be coordinated planning so that there is adequate response during and after these disasters. Tribes have expertise and assets that could be helpful during these disasters, such as equipment and shelters, and tribes want to do their part to help protect all Washington citizens.

Persons Testifying (State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections): PRO: Lou Schmitz, American Indian Health Commission for Washington State; Steve Kutz, Cowlitz Tribe.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections): No one.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Ways & Means): PRO: The fiscal cost is small as compared to the value of having the tribes at the table for emergency management.

Persons Testifying (Ways & Means): PRO: Dawn Vyvyan, Yakama Nation Sauk-Suiatte Tribe.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (Ways & Means): No one.