Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs Committee |
HB 1634
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. |
Brief Description: Requiring continuity of transit operation reporting by certain public transportation systems.
Sponsors: Representatives Pettigrew and Fitzgibbon.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/7/17
Staff: Kirsten Lee (786-7133).
Background:
Various state and local governmental entities in Washington are involved in emergency management and preparedness.
The Emergency Management Division of the Washington State Military Department.
The Emergency Management Division of the Washington Military Department administers emergency management and disaster relief programs. The Director of the Military Department (Director) is appointed by the Governor and is required to develop a comprehensive emergency management plan, including an analysis of the natural, technological, or human-caused hazards that could affect the state. Local jurisdictions are directed to establish comprehensive local emergency management plans, and submit their plans to the Director for recommendations. Local jurisdictions may also establish and operate joint local emergency management organizations.
The Emergency Management Council.
The Emergency Management Council (Council) is a 17-member council appointed by the Governor to advise the Governor and the Director on state and local emergency management matters. The Council includes representatives from various state and local agencies as well as emergency medical personnel and private industry. The council may appoint subcommittees and working groups that are required to develop specific recommendations for the improvement of emergency management practices, standards, policies, or procedures. Among other duties, the Council must ensure the Governor receives an annual assessment of statewide emergency preparedness.
In 2012, the Council's Seismic Safety Committee published a final report and recommendations entitled "Resilient Washington State: A Framework for Minimizing Loss and Improving Statewide Recovery After an Earthquake." The report's recommendations included requiring that transit agencies, both large and small, develop robust continuity of operation plans.
Continuity of Operations Plans.
In 2013 Governor Inslee required state agencies to develop Continuity of Operations Plans (COOPs) in order for state executive branch organizations to provide essential functions and services during an emergency or disaster. The COOP of each agency must ensure the agency's ability to deliver essential functions and services to the citizens of the state during any disaster or emergency, coordinating actions to ensure that essential functions that overlap with other agencies continue without interruption.
The Adjutant General is responsible to the Governor for helping to develop and manage a program for interagency coordination and prioritization of continuity of operations planning by state agencies. In 2015, the Legislature required state agencies to develop a COOP that is updated and exercised annually, in compliance with the program for interagency coordination of continuity of operation planning.
Summary of Bill:
By September 1, 2018, and every five years thereafter, the legislative authority of each municipality and regional transit authority (RTA) must create a plan regarding the continuity of its transit operations in the event of a significant earthquake. Each municipality and regional transit authority must consult the Department of Transportation and Emergency Management Division of the Washington State Military Department during the development of the plan. The plan must contain information regarding how the municipality, or regional transit authority, intends to maintain or restore transit operations in the event of a significant earthquake.
Each municipality and RTA must file their plans with the Department of Transportation, the Emergency Management Division of the Washington State Military Department, and cities, counties, and regional planning councils where the municipality or RTA is located.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Preliminary fiscal note available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.