Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Housing, Community Development & Veterans Committee |
HB 2884
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: Establishing a Travis alert outreach demonstration campaign.
Sponsors: Representatives Mosbrucker, Pettigrew, Harris and Maycumber.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/4/20
Staff: Serena Dolly (786-7150).
Background:
Washington Military Department and Enhanced 911.
The phone number 911 is the national emergency phone number in the United States. The Enhanced 911 (E911) system is the result of a 1991 voter referendum directing E911 emergency communications systems to be available statewide. The office coordinating the E911 system is located within the Emergency Management Division of the Washington Military Department (MIL).
The Adjutant General, commander of all Washington Army and Air National Guard forces, is the Director of the MIL. The E911 Advisory Committee, established in 2010, assists the state E911 coordinator in facilitating the operation of E911. Its members are appointed by the Adjutant General and include individuals from the Washington State Association of Fire Chiefs, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, and the Washington State Patrol, among others.
Travis Alert Act.
The ability to make medical or disability information available to first responders in advance of arrival at an emergency is possible in some areas of the state. The information may be connected to a person's address, phone number, or both.
The Travis Alert Act was enacted in 2017 and required the Adjutant General, in collaboration with other entities, to assess:
the resources necessary to immediately display via the E911 system that a person with a disability may be present at the scene of an emergency, the caller's identification, location, phone number, address, and additional information if made available;
how to best acquire, implement, and safeguard a secure website and the information provided regarding a person with a disability;
the information that must remain confidential under law, and how to best ensure this; and
the need to provide immunity to various agencies, first responders, and emergency personnel.
The MIL issued a report with its assessment in November 2018. The assessment found that collecting and displaying disability information as part of the E911 system may be feasible but requires additional legislation to:
determine whether an existing commercial product should be purchased or developed over time and deployed on a county by county basis;
determine whether the state or local governments should deploy the technology; and
protect confidential information about a person with a disability.
Summary of Bill:
By December 1, 2020, the MIL, in coordination with local jurisdictions, must initiate a demonstration campaign to increase awareness of the benefits and availability of making medical or disability information available to first responders in advance of arrival at an emergency. As part of the demonstration campaign, the MIL must provide outreach materials to two jurisdictions, one in eastern Washington and one in western Washington, capable of providing first responders with medical or disability information previously submitted.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.