SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2528
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 Passed Senate, February 27, 2018
Title: An act relating to providing for the coordination of continuity of operations efforts for elections.
Brief Description: Providing for the coordination of continuity of operations efforts for elections.
Sponsors: House Committee on Public Safety (originally sponsored by Representatives Hudgins and Wylie).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/18, 98-0.
Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/21/18, 2/23/18 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed Senate: 2/27/18, 49-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Hunt, Chair; Kuderer, Vice Chair; Miloscia, Ranking Member; Saldaña and Zeiger.
Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)
Background: Continuity of Operations Planning. The Washington Military Department, under the direction of the adjutant general, administers the state's comprehensive emergency management program. The adjutant general must help to develop and manage a program for interagency coordination and prioritization of continuity of operations planning by state agencies. Continuity of operations planning is the internal effort of an organization to assure that the capability exists to continue essential functions and services in response to a comprehensive array of potential emergencies or disasters.
Each state agency must develop a continuity of operations plan that is updated and exercised annually in compliance with the program for interagency coordination of continuity of operation planning. In the event of a natural or manmade disaster, the Secretary of State must consult with county auditors of impacted counties to determine the impact of the disaster on the administration of elections and how to best mitigate the impact, and may adopt emergency rules and procedures as necessary to facilitate elections administration.
Critical Infrastructure Designation. In 2017, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated election infrastructure as a subsector of the government facilities critical infrastructure sector. This designation prioritizes election infrastructure within the National Infrastructure Protection Plan and allows states to seek DHS assistance in securing election infrastructure components, such as vote tabulation locations, storage facilities, and related information and communication technology.
Summary of Bill: The Military Department must maintain a copy of the continuity of operations plan for election operations for each county that has a plan available.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.
Persons Testifying: No one.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.