SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5045

As of January 20, 2003

Title: An act relating to registration of emergency workers.

Brief Description: Providing for registration of emergency workers.

Sponsors: Senators Roach, Winsley and Haugen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/17/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: Currently there is no statewide uniform registration system for emergency workers. An emergency worker is any person registered with a local emergency management organization or the Military Department who holds an identification card issued by the local emergency management director or the Military Department.

Summary of Bill: In order for individuals to be considered emergency workers, they must register with the state Office of Emergency Management and possess a valid state emergency worker registration card. The state Military Department must establish by rule the state emergency worker registration card and the state emergency worker decal. The Department of Emergency Management or the local emergency management agency must review all completed registration forms and may conduct a criminal history and driving record background check.

All emergency workers who hold identification cards issued prior to this act must re-register by January 1, 2007.

Emergency worker liability statutes are updated to reflect the registration requirement.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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