SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5264

BYSenate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Halsan, McCaslin, DeJarnatt, Zimmerman and Kiskaddon; by request of Department of Community Development)

Establishing a disaster assistance fund.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

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

      Signed by Senators Halsan, Chairman; Garrett, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, McCaslin, Pullen, Talmadge.

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1987

Senate Staff:Eugene Green (786-7405); Walt Corneille (786-7452)

                  February 4, 1987

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 25, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5264 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDermott, Chairman; Gaspard, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Bluechel, Deccio, Fleming, Hayner, Kreidler, Moore, Owen, Saling, Talmadge, Vognild, Williams, Wojahn, Zimmerman.

Senate Staff:Stephen Rose (786-7443)

                  March 18, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 18, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Federal disaster relief moneys under the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-288) and other federal emergency and disaster programs are made available to states on a matching basis.  Currently, unless the Legislature happens to be in session at the time a major disaster or emergency occurs, Washington State must borrow funds to comply with federal match requirements.

SUMMARY:

A disaster assistance fund is established in the custody of the State Treasurer.  Moneys in the fund may be expended when the Governor proclaims a state of emergency and the President declares a major disaster or a state financial contribution is required in order to receive federal emergency or disaster assistance.  State disaster assistance fund expenditures are supplemental to expenditures made by political agencies.

The Governor shall administer the fund, and the funds may be expended to provide financial commitments under the Federal Disaster Relief Act of 1974 and other federal emergency and disaster relief programs.  No appropriation is required for disbursements.

Appropriation:    $2,000,000

Fiscal Note:      requested

Effective Date:July 1, 1987

Senate Committee - Testified: GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS:  Hugh Fowler, Asst. Director, Dept. of Community Development

Senate Committee - Testified: WAYS & MEANS:  Van Youngquist, Cowlitz County Commissioner; Hugh Fowler