SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6515

BYSenators Benitz, Pullen, Smitherman and Hayner

Granting civil immunity to members of hazardous materials planning committees.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Benitz, Chairman; Madsen, Nelson, Owen, Pullen, Stratton, Williams.

Senate Staff:Paul Parker (786-7455)

                  February 15, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 13, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In 1986 Congress passed amendments to the federal Superfund law to increase awareness of hazardous chemicals and enhance the ability to respond to chemical releases into the environment. Local emergency planning committees, appointed by the state emergency response commission, are required to prepare emergency response plans by October 17, 1988.

SUMMARY:

Appointees to the state hazardous materials planning committee or local emergency planning committee are not liable for civil damages due to the development, review, or implementation of emergency response plans.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Kate Hiembach, DCD; Bill Lockey, Pierce County Emergency Management (for); A.L. Mundy, Pennwalt Corporation, (for); Otto Jensen, State Fire Chiefs (for)