HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2605

BYRepresentatives Jacobsen, Nelson, Miller, H. Sommers and Todd

Authorizing a study of emergency communications systems.

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (12)

      Signed by Representatives Nelson, Chair; H. Myers, Vice Chair; Hankins, Ranking Republican Member; Bennett, Brooks, Cooper, Jacobsen, Jesernig, May, R. Meyers, Miller and S. Wilson.

House Staff:Fred Adair (786-7113)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES JANUARY 31, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Reliable communications are essential to efficient recovery from disaster.  Communications systems can be vulnerable to damage from disasters, especially storms, fires, and earthquakes.  Redundant systems, especially of a different type, greatly enhance the reliability of communications.

Disasters can affect several adjoining local government jurisdictions.  Therefore, knowing about and being compatible with the communications systems of neighboring communities is important to recovery from large-scale disasters.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Community Development shall study the capability of existing state and local communications systems to survive major disasters such as storms and earthquakes.  The study shall include evaluation of existing systems, existence and effectiveness of backup systems, and high risk areas needing immediate attention.

Report shall be made to the Legislature by November 1, 1990.

Local governments shall provide equal matching moneys for both local system studies and equipment acquisitions.

Appropriation:    $150,000 is appropriated for studies and $6 million for systems improvement from the general fund to the department.

Fiscal Note:      Requested January 23, 1990.

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Elaine Rose, Ken Nikanta, and Steve Bailey, City of Seattle; Susie Tracy,  Washington State Medical Association and Washington State Ambulance Association; and John Nance, author.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Radio communications between emergency response agencies are both incomplete and, in many instances, incompatible.  Thus, agencies that should work together in many disaster situations are unable to communicate when telephone lines are out.  The importance of interagency communications, including redundant radio and telephone systems, was demonstrated in the recent San Francisco area earthquake.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.