SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5885

BYSenators Halsan, Garrett, Warnke, Talmadge, Kiskaddon, Gaspard, Bender and DeJarnatt

Gathering and disseminating information on earthquake dangers.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 25, 1987

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

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

Senate Staff:Walt Corneille (786-7452); Sam Thompson (786-7754)

                  February 25, 1987

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 3, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5885 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDermott, Chairman; Gaspard, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Fleming, Lee, Moore, Rinehart, Saling, Talmadge, Vognild, Warnke, Williams, Zimmerman.

Senate Staff:Stephen Rose (786-7443)

                  March 3, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, MARCH 3, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Washington State Seismic Safety Council (Council) was formed in 1985 as an advisory group to the Department of Emergency Management.  The Council was asked to:  Review methods and procedures to educate the public about earthquakes; recommend goals and priorities; and gather and analyze information about earthquakes.  The Council submitted its report in September of 1986.

The Council found that seismic hazards exist in Washington and the possibility of seismic events of much greater magnitude than previously experienced are possible.  Among other recommendations, the report listed certain responsibilities the Council felt the state should fulfill.  Among those responsibilities were:  Calling attention to seismic risks; supporting research and disseminating information necessary for state and local risk reduction programs; ensuring the integrity of public facilities; and establishing the necessary authority for facilitating the public and private sectors in averting earthquake losses.

SUMMARY:

It is determined necessary for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the state to assess the ability of public buildings to withstand earthquakes.  The Department of Community Development (Department) is required to undertake a comprehensive survey of public buildings.  In the survey, the Department is required to:  Assess the physical condition of public buildings; determine if in the event of an earthquake there is a public danger; determine whether the danger can be reduced; recommend methods for reduction or elimination of the danger; estimate the costs and recommend methods for the repair or replacement of public buildings; and propose methods to ensure that public buildings constructed after 1988 are able to withstand earthquakes of a reasonably foreseeable magnitude.

The Department is also required to gather and disseminate information on the impact of earthquakes and methods in which people and property may be protected in the event of an earthquake.  An annual report is to be made to the Governor and Legislature by the Department.

The Department is required to establish an advisory council known as the Washington State Seismic Safety Council.  The membership of the Council is specified.

Appropriation:    An unspecified amount is appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Community Development for the biennium ending June 30, 1989.

Fiscal Note:      available

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED COMMITTEE AMENDMENT:

Section 10 of the bill providing for an unspecified appropriation from the general fund to the Department of Community Development is stricken.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The task of proposing guidelines for buildings constructed after 1988 is deleted from the survey.

Senate Committee - Testified: GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS:  Carole Martens, SESEP; John Lewis, Hope Tuttle, American Red Cross; Shelly Cohen, Cedar Valley Elementary PTA; Mike Roberts, SPI

Senate Committee - Testified: WAYS & MEANS:  Rep. Georgette Valley; Carole Martens, SESEP; Ray Lasmanis, Department of Natural Resources