WSR 26-14-123 (26-14)

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Chapter 118-11 WAC should be updated to reflect the current operating environment of emergency management in Washington. Feedback received from local jurisdictions, tribal partners, and other stakeholders through listening sessions and ongoing engagement identified provisions that are overly restrictive, unclear, inconsistently applied, or no longer aligned with contemporary emergency management practices. Stakeholders expressed a need for clearer expectations, reduced administrative burden, improved consistency across jurisdictions, and greater flexibility to support varying local capabilities and risk environments.

The proposed updates will modernize the rule, improve clarity and usability, align requirements with current state and federal guidance, and better support local and tribal emergency management programs in carrying out their responsibilities. Updating the rule will also help ensure that state oversight, program assessment, and capability development efforts are focused on outcomes that enhance preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation rather than compliance with outdated administrative requirements.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The subject matter of chapter 118-11 WAC is also influenced by federal emergency management requirements and guidance administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, the National Incident Management System, and other national preparedness policies. At the state level, emergency management responsibilities intersect with the authorities and programs of numerous agencies, including state agencies with emergency management functions, tribal governments, and local emergency management organizations established under chapter 38.52 RCW.

The Washington military department, emergency management division, will coordinate development of the proposed rule through stakeholder outreach, listening sessions, and consultation with affected state agencies, local emergency management jurisdictions, tribal governments, and other partners. Draft rule language will be shared for review and comment during the rule-making process to ensure consistency with applicable federal requirements, state statutes, and operational emergency management practices. Coordination will continue throughout rule development and formal public comment periods to identify and address potential conflicts, duplication, or unintended impacts.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Joel Haarstad, 20 Aviation Drive, Mailstop TA-20, phone 253-512-7484, email joel.haarstad@mil.wa.gov, website mil.wa.gov; or Sharon Wallace, 20 Aviation Drive, Mailstop TA-20, phone 253-312-1738, email sharon.wallace@mil.wa.gov, website mil.wa.gov.