Passed by the House February 6, 2024 Yeas 97 Nays 0 LAURIE JINKINS Speaker of the House of Representatives Passed by the Senate February 27, 2024 Yeas 49 Nays 0 DENNY HECK President of the Senate	CERTIFICATE I, Bernard Dean, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives of the State of Washington, do hereby certify that the attached is HOUSE BILL 1978 as passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on the dates hereon set forth. BERNARD DEAN Chief Clerk Chief Clerk
Approved March 7, 2024 11:21 AM	FILED March 7, 2024
JAY INSLEE Governor of the State of Washington	Secretary of State State of Washington

Prefiled 12/20/23.Read first time 01/08/24.Referred to Committee on Innovation, Community & Economic Development, & Veterans.

AN ACT Relating to the addition of special purpose and junior taxing districts to the intrastate mutual aid system; and amending RCW 38.56.020.

(1) The intrastate mutual aid system is established to provide for mutual assistance in an emergency among political subdivisions and federally recognized Indian tribes that choose to participate as member jurisdictions.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, member jurisdictions of the intrastate mutual aid system include:

(a) A political subdivision, special purpose district as defined in RCW 36.96.010, or junior taxing district as described in RCW 84.52.043; and

(b) Any federally recognized Indian tribe located within the boundaries of the state of Washington upon receipt by the department of a tribal government resolution declaring its intention to be a member jurisdiction in the intrastate mutual aid system under this chapter.

(3)(a) A member jurisdiction is released from membership in the intrastate mutual aid system established under this chapter upon receipt by the department of a resolution or ordinance declaring that the member jurisdiction elects not to participate in the system.

(b) Nothing in this chapter may be construed to affect other mutual aid systems or agreements otherwise authorized by law, including the Washington state fire services mobilization plan and the law enforcement mobilization plan under chapter 43.43 RCW, nor preclude a political subdivision or Indian tribe from entering or participating in those mutual aid systems or agreements.

(4) Mutual assistance may be requested by, and provided to, member jurisdictions under this chapter for: (a) Response, mitigation, or recovery activities related to an emergency; or (b) participation in drills or exercises in preparation for an emergency.

Passed by the House February 6, 2024.

Passed by the Senate February 27, 2024.

Approved by the Governor March 7, 2024.

Filed in Office of Secretary of State March 7, 2024.