HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 5247
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 House Committee On:
Housing, Community Development & Veterans
Title: An act relating to addressing catastrophic incidents that are natural or human-caused emergencies.
Brief Description: Addressing catastrophic incidents that are natural or human-caused emergencies.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Frockt, Zeiger, Hobbs, Bailey, Rolfes, Hunt, Conway, Das, Honeyford, Keiser and Mullet; by request of Military Department).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Housing, Community Development & Veterans: 3/27/19 [DPA], 2/21/20, 2/25/20 [DPA].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill (As Amended by Committee) |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & VETERANS |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Ryu, Chair; Morgan, Vice Chair; Jenkin, Ranking Minority Member; Gildon, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Frame, Johnson, J., Leavitt and Ramel.
Staff: Serena Dolly (786-7150).
Background:
The Washington Military Department, under the direction of the Adjutant General, administers the state's comprehensive program of emergency management. The Adjutant General is responsible for developing a comprehensive, all-hazard emergency plan for the state, known as the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, that includes an analysis of natural, technological, or human-caused hazards and procedures to coordinate state and local resources in responding to such hazards.
For the purposes of emergency management, a catastrophic incident means any natural or human-caused incident, including terrorism and enemy attack, that results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the population, infrastructure, environment, economy, or government functions. The definition of catastrophic incident excludes any event resulting from individuals exercising their rights, under the First Amendment, of freedom of speech, and of the people to peaceably assemble.
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Summary of Amended Bill:
The Adjutant General must develop and maintain a catastrophic incident emergency response plan. In consultation with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Adjutant General must develop guidance that may be used by local school districts in developing, maintaining, training, and exercising catastrophic incident plans, subject to appropriation.
Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:
The striking amendment removes the creation of a Functional Recovery Task Force and related definitions. The striking amendment also updates underlying provisions of the bill to account for changes in statute made by legislation passed in the previous session.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) One of the Governor's priorities is ensuring the safety of school children. This bill will allow the Military Department to work with school districts to prepare and train for catastrophic incidents. This modest investment will reduce risks to children and help keep them safe.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Robert Ezelle, Washington Military Department Emergency Management Division.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.