SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6363

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections, January 31, 2012

Title: An act relating to state fire service mobilization.

Brief Description: Addressing the mobilization of all risk resources during an emergency.

Sponsors: Senators Swecker and Pridemore.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 1/30/12, 1/31/12 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6363 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Pridemore, Chair; Prentice, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Chase, Nelson and Roach.

Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)

Background: State fire service mobilization exists because of the possibility of the occurrence of disastrous fires or other disasters of unprecedented size and destructiveness and the need to ensure that the state is adequately prepared to respond to such a fire or disaster.

Mobilization means that firefighting resources beyond those available through existing agreements will be requested and, when available, sent in response to an emergency or disaster situation that has exceeded the capabilities of available local resources.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): For the purposes of state fire service mobilization:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Recently, the AG released an opinion that narrowly interprets current law to only allow fire service mobilization in the event of a fire. Historically, fire service mobilization has been mobilized for natural disasters as well as contagious disease outbreaks. This bill is simple – it clarifies that fire service mobilization can occur when there is a large disaster and local fire service cannot handle the situation without assistance.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Mike Brown, WA Fire Chiefs.