HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2385

As Reported by House Committee On:

State Government

Title:  An act relating to membership of the emergency management council.

Brief Description:  Adding members to the emergency management council.

Sponsors:  Representatives Jackley, Schmidt, Simpson, Barlean, Hurst, Ballasiotes, Benson, Haigh, Morell and Miloscia.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

State Government:  1/24/02, 1/29/02 [DPS].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

$Increases the emergency management council membership from 17 to 22 members to include representation from local public health agencies and four at-large members.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Romero, Chair; Miloscia, Vice Chair; McMorris, Ranking Minority Member; McDermott, Schindler, Schmidt and Upthegrove.

Staff: Kimberly Berry (786‑7291).

Background:

Washington=s comprehensive emergency management program is administered by the state=s Military Department.  The director of the Military Department is the adjutant general.  The adjutant general reports directly to the governor and is responsible for coordinating the activities of all organizations for emergency management within the state.  The adjutant general is also responsible for developing a comprehensive, all-hazard emergency plan that includes the procedures to be used during emergencies for coordinating state and local resources.

The Emergency Management Council (EMC) advises both the Governor and the adjutant general on matters pertaining to state and local emergency management practices, standards, policies, and procedures.  The council provides the Governor with an annual assessment of statewide emergency preparedness.

The EMC also serves as the state=s Emergency Response Commission (ERC) as required by federal law under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act.  The ERC is responsible for reviewing the state=s hazardous materials policy.

The EMC consists of 17 members appointed by the Governor.  Membership includes, but is not limited to, representatives of the following:

$city and county governments;

$sheriffs and police chiefs;

$Washington State Patrol;

$Military Department;

$Department of Ecology;

$state and local fire chiefs;

$seismic safety experts;

$state and local emergency management directors;

$search and rescue volunteers;

$experts in emergency medical care;

$building officials; and

$private industry experts in emergency and hazardous materials management.

Members of the EMC serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

Summary of  Substitute Bill:

The number of members the Governor is allowed to appoint to the emergency management council is changed from 17 to 22 members.  Council membership must include representation from- local public health agencies.  Four members of the council are required to be at large members who do not represent local public health agencies or any of the following agencies, experts or groups:

$city and county governments;

$sheriffs and police chiefs;

$Washington State Patrol;

$Military Department;

$Department of Ecology;

$state and local fire chiefs;

$seismic safety experts;

$state and local emergency management directors;

$search and rescue volunteers;

$experts in emergency medical care;

$building officials; and

$private industry experts in emergency and hazardous materials management.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill increases membership of the emergency management council to 22, rather than 21, in order to include a representative of local public health agencies.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Good legislation.  It expands membership to bring in the experts that are needed to prepare for the necessary emergency response.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Jackley, prime sponsor.