SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1978
As of February 14, 2024
Title: An act relating to the addition of special purpose and junior taxing districts to the intrastate mutual aid system.
Brief Description: Adding special purpose and junior taxing districts to the intrastate mutual aid system.
Sponsors: Representatives Rule, Volz, Ryu, Ramel, Ormsby and Reeves; by request of Military Department.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/6/24, 97-0.
Committee Activity: State Government & Elections: 2/15/24.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Includes special purpose districts and junior taxing districts in the member jurisdictions of the Intrastate Mutual Aid System.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & ELECTIONS
Staff: Danielle Creech (786-7412)
Background:

Intrastate Mutual Aid System. Washington's Intrastate Mutual Aid System was established in 2011 to provide mutual assistance in an emergency among political subdivisions and federally recognized tribes that choose to participate. Member jurisdictions may request mutual assistance for: (1) response, mitigation, or recovery activities related to an emergency, or (2) participation in drills or exercises in preparing for an emergency. Emergency responders holding a state- or political subdivision-issued license, certificate, or other permit verifying qualification is deemed to be licensed, certified, or permitted in the requesting member jurisdiction for the duration of the emergency, drill, or exercise, subject to limitations and conditions prescribed in writing by the chief executive officer of the requesting member jurisdiction. A requesting member jurisdiction must reimburse a responding member jurisdiction for the true and full value of all assistance provided. If authorized, a responding member jurisdiction may donate assistance to a requesting member jurisdiction.

 

Member Jurisdictions. Member jurisdictions of the Intrastate Mutual Aid System include political subdivisions and certain federally recognized tribes. Political subdivisions are member jurisdictions unless the jurisdiction provides a resolution or ordinance to the Military Department electing not to participate in the Intrastate Mutual Aid System. Membership includes every county, city, and town and, since 2016, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

Summary of Bill:

Special purpose districts and junior taxing districts are included as member jurisdictions of the Intrastate Mutual Aid System. A special purpose district or junior taxing district that elects not to participate in the Intrastate Mutual Aid System will be released from membership after providing the Military Department with a resolution or ordinance.

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.