BILL REQ. #:  H-1245.1 

Read first time 01/30/2007.   Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.

     AN ACT Relating to emergency communications; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The legislature finds that implementing a command and control system statewide would:
     (a) Provide a visual, computer-based common operating picture for all decision makers in the event of an emergency;
     (b) Reduce the need for radio frequency bandwidth for voice communications;
     (c) Allow emergency responders to take action based on a common operating picture of the emergency situation; and
     (d) Allow for redundant pathway capabilities, which would increase the robustness of the state's communications system.
     (2) The director shall establish a pilot project to design and test a command and control data system. This program must be developed in conjunction with a local organization for emergency services or management. The pilot project must, at a minimum, have the following capabilities:
     (a) Compatibility with existing, legacy emergency radio systems;
     (b) Integration capability with the United States department of defense's command and control personal computer application;
     (c) Open architecture design;
     (d) Automated reporting and tracking in a geographic information system environment; and
     (e) Redundant communication pathways, including satellite links.
     (3) By December 1, 2008, the adjunct general shall submit a report to the legislature and the governor, indicating the feasibility and cost of implementing a command and control data system statewide, and making recommendations.
     (4) The definitions in RCW 38.52.010 apply throughout this section.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 2007, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void.