FINAL BILL REPORT
SB 5875
C 263 L 93
SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED
Brief Description: Enacting the national guard mutual assistance counter‑drug activities compact.
SPONSORS: Senators Gaspard, von Reichbauer, A. Smith, Winsley and M. Rasmussen; by request of Military Department
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to Executive Memo, the Washington National Guard provides support to state law enforcement agencies for the purpose of counter-drug activities. This support of manpower and equipment is funded by the federal government. Presently, 144 guardsmen support 41 law enforcement agencies in 52 separate locations within the state. These efforts are directed at communication monitoring, data collection, cargo inspection, and various other skills where military training allows Guard personnel to replace certified law enforcement officers.
Congress has approved a constitutional compact format to replace the Executive Memo and thereby provide mutual assistance agreements between states effecting such a compact. It is believed that this proposal will clarify the Governor's general powers and provide for National Guard involvement in future activities. This nontraditional activity by National Guard soldiers would be limited to a response from an appropriate law enforcement agency and only in support of enforcement for controlled substance statutes.
SUMMARY:
Statutory authority is provided for the Governor to enter into a compact for the use of National Guard troops in support of local law enforcement agencies who are fulfilling controlled substance statutes. Washington is permitted to engage in mutual support agreements with other states. Standards for force deployment and withdrawal are defined and directed. A one-year notice is required prior to withdrawal from the authorized compact.
VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:
Senate 48 0
House 98 0 (House amended)
Senate 45 0 (Senate concurred)
EFFECTIVE:July 25, 1993