RCW 38.52.005
State military department to administer emergency management program
—
Local organizations authorized to change name.
The department shall administer the comprehensive emergency management program of the state of Washington as provided for in this chapter. All local organizations, organized and performing emergency management functions pursuant to RCW 38.52.070, may change their name and be called the . . . . . . department/division of emergency management.
[
1995 c 391 s 1
;
1986 c 266 s 22
;
1984 c 38 s 1
;
1972 ex.s. c 6 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
1995 c 391:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1995." [
1995 c 391 s 18
.]
Transfer of powers and duties of department of emergency management and office of archaeology and historic preservation
—
Construction of statutory references:
"The department of emergency management and the office of archaeology and historic preservation are hereby abolished and their powers, duties, and functions are hereby transferred to the department of community development. All references to the director of emergency management or the department of emergency management and the office of archaeology and historic preservation in the Revised Code of Washington shall be construed to mean the director or department of community development." [
1986 c 266 s 1
.]
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
"If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [
1986 c 266 s 138
.]
RCW 38.52.010
Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1) "911 emergency communications system" means a public 911 communications system consisting of a network, database, and on-premises equipment that is accessed by dialing or accessing 911 and that enables reporting police, fire, medical, or other emergency situations to a public safety answering point. The system includes the capability to selectively route incoming 911 voice and data to the appropriate public safety answering point that operates in a defined 911 service area and the capability to automatically display the name, location, and telephone number of incoming 911 voice and data at the appropriate public safety answering point.
(2) "Automatic location identification" means information about a caller's location that is part of or associated with an enhanced or next generation 911 emergency communications system as defined in this section and RCW 82.14B.020
and intended for the purpose of display at a public safety answering point with incoming 911 voice or data, or both.
(3) "Automatic number identification" means a method for uniquely associating a communication device that has accessed 911 with the incoming 911 voice or data, or both, and intended for the purpose of display at a public safety answering point.
(4) "Baseline level of 911 service" means access to 911 dialing from all communication devices with service from a telecommunications provider within a county's jurisdiction so that incoming 911 voice and data communication is answered, received, and displayed on 911 equipment at a public safety answering point designated by the county.
(5) "Broadcaster" means a person or entity that holds a license issued by the federal communications commission under 47 C.F.R. Part 73, 74, 76, or 78.
(6)(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.
(b) "Catastrophic incident" does not include an event resulting from individuals exercising their rights, under the first amendment, of freedom of speech, and of the people to peaceably assemble.
(7) "Communication plan," as used in RCW 38.52.070, means a section in a local comprehensive emergency management plan that addresses emergency notification of life safety information.
(8) "Continuity of government planning" means the internal effort of all levels and branches of government to provide that the capability exists to continue essential functions and services following a catastrophic incident. These efforts include, but are not limited to, providing for: (a) Orderly succession and appropriate changes of leadership whether appointed or elected; (b) filling vacancies; (c) interoperability communications; and (d) processes and procedures to reconvene government following periods of disruption that may be caused by a catastrophic incident. Continuity of government planning is intended to preserve the constitutional and statutory authority of elected officials at the state and local level and provide for the continued performance of essential functions and services by each level and branch of government.
(9) "Continuity of operations planning" means the internal effort of an organization to provide that the capability exists to continue essential functions and services in response to a comprehensive array of potential emergencies or disasters.
(10) "Department" means the state military department.
(11) "Director" means the adjutant general.
(12) "Emergency management" or "comprehensive emergency management" means the preparation for and the carrying out of all emergency functions, other than functions for which the military forces are primarily responsible, to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters, and to aid victims suffering from injury or damage, resulting from disasters caused by all hazards, whether natural, technological, or human caused, and to provide support for search and rescue operations for persons and property in distress. However, "emergency management" or "comprehensive emergency management" does not mean preparation for emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of nuclear attack.
(13)(a) "Emergency or disaster" as used in all sections of this chapter except RCW 38.52.430
means an event or set of circumstances which: (i) Demands immediate action to preserve public health, protect life, protect public property, or to provide relief to any stricken community overtaken by such occurrences; or (ii) reaches such a dimension or degree of destructiveness as to warrant the governor proclaiming a state of emergency pursuant to RCW 43.06.010
.
(b) "Emergency" as used in RCW 38.52.430
means an incident that requires a normal police, coroner, fire, rescue, emergency medical services, or utility response as a result of a violation of one of the statutes enumerated in RCW 38.52.430
.
(14) "Emergency response" as used in RCW 38.52.430
means a public agency's use of emergency services during an emergency or disaster as defined in subsection (13)(b) of this section.
(15) "Emergency services communication system" means a multicounty or countywide communications network, including an enhanced or next generation 911 emergency communications system, which provides rapid public access for coordinated dispatching of services, personnel, equipment, and facilities for police, fire, medical, or other emergency services.
(16) "Emergency services communications system data" includes voice or audio; multimedia, including pictures and video; text messages; telematics or telemetrics; or other information that is received or displayed, or both, at a public safety answering point in association with a 911 access.
(17) "Emergency worker" means any person who is registered with a local emergency management organization, any federally recognized Indian tribe as defined in RCW 43.376.010
provided the department is in receipt of a tribal government resolution declaring its intention to be a participant in the emergency worker program under this chapter, or the department and holds an identification card issued by the local emergency management director, tribal government, or the department for the purpose of engaging in authorized emergency management activities or is an employee of the state of Washington or any political subdivision thereof who is called upon to perform emergency management activities.
(18) "Executive head" and "executive heads" means the county executive in those charter counties with an elective office of county executive, however designated, and, in the case of other counties, the county legislative authority. In the case of cities and towns, it means the mayor in those cities and towns with mayor-council or commission forms of government, where the mayor is directly elected, and it means the city manager in those cities and towns with council manager forms of government. Cities and towns may also designate an executive head for the purposes of this chapter by ordinance.
(19) "Expense of an emergency response" as used in RCW 38.52.430
means reasonable costs incurred by a public agency in reasonably making an appropriate emergency response to the incident, but shall only include those costs directly arising from the response to the particular incident. Reasonable costs shall include the costs of providing police, coroner, firefighting, rescue, emergency medical services, or utility response at the scene of the incident, as well as the salaries of the personnel responding to the incident.
(20) "First informer broadcaster" means an individual who:
(a) Is employed by, or acting pursuant to a contract under the direction of, a broadcaster; and
(b)(i) Maintains, including repairing or resupplying, transmitters, generators, or other essential equipment at a broadcast station or facility; or (ii) provides technical support services to broadcasters needed during a period of proclaimed emergency.
(21) "Incident command system" means: (a) An all-hazards, on-scene functional management system that establishes common standards in organization, terminology, and procedures; provides a means (unified command) for the establishment of a common set of incident objectives and strategies during multiagency/multijurisdiction operations while maintaining individual agency/jurisdiction authority, responsibility, and accountability; and is a component of the national interagency incident management system; or (b) an equivalent and compatible all-hazards, on-scene functional management system.
(22) "Injury" as used in this chapter shall mean and include accidental injuries and/or occupational diseases arising out of emergency management activities.
(23) "Interconnected voice over internet protocol service provider" means a provider of interconnected voice over internet protocol service as defined by the federal communications commission in 47 C.F.R. Sec. 9.3 on January 1, 2009, or a subsequent date determined by the department.
(24) "Life safety information" means information provided to people during a response to a life-threatening emergency or disaster informing them of actions they can take to preserve their safety. Such information may include, but is not limited to, information regarding evacuation, sheltering, sheltering-in-place, facility lockdown, and where to obtain food and water.
(25) "Local director" means the director of a local organization of emergency management or emergency services.
(26) "Local organization for emergency services or management" means an organization created in accordance with the provisions of this chapter by state or local authority to perform local emergency management functions.
(27) "Next generation 911" means an internet protocol-based system comprised of managed emergency services internet protocol networks, functional elements (applications), and databases that replicate enhanced 911 features and functions as defined in RCW 82.14B.020
(4) that provide additional capabilities designed to provide access to emergency services from all connected communications sources and provide multimedia data capabilities for public safety answering points.
(28) "Next generation 911 demarcation point" means the location and equipment that separates the next generation 911 network from:
(a) A telecommunications provider's network, known as the ingress next generation 911 demarcation point; and
(b) A public safety answering point, known as the egress next generation 911 demarcation point.
(29) "Next generation 911 emergency communications system" means a public communications system consisting of networks, databases, and public safety answering point 911 hardware, software, and technology that is accessed by the public in the state through 911. The system includes the capability to: Route incoming 911 voice and data to the appropriate public safety answering point that operates in a defined 911 service area; answer incoming 911 voice and data; and receive and display incoming 911 voice and data, including automatic location identification and automatic number identification, at a public safety answering point. "Next generation 911 emergency communications system" includes future modernizations to the 911 system.
(30) "Next generation 911 emergency services internet protocol network" means a managed internet protocol network used for 911 emergency services communications that is managed and maintained, including security and credentialing functions, by the state 911 coordination office to provide next generation 911 emergency communications from the ingress next generation 911 demarcation point to the egress next generation 911 demarcation point. It provides the internet protocol transport infrastructure upon which application platforms and core services are necessary for providing next generation 911 services. Next generation 911 emergency services internet protocol networks may be constructed from a mix of dedicated and shared facilities and may be interconnected at local, regional, state, federal, national, and international levels to form an internet protocol-based inter-network (network of networks).
(31) "Next generation 911 service" means public access to the next generation 911 emergency communications system and its capabilities by accessing 911 from communication devices to report police, fire, medical, or other emergency situations to a public safety answering point.
(32) "Political subdivision" means any county, city or town.
(33) "Public agency" means the state, and a city, county, municipal corporation, district, town, or public authority located, in whole or in part, within this state which provides or may provide firefighting, police, ambulance, medical, or other emergency services.
(34) "Public infrastructure assistance" means supplementary state assistance provided to county governments and federally recognized tribal governments, when authorized under governor emergency proclamation for the cost of disaster-related public property debris removal, emergency protective measures to protect life and property, and permanent repair work to damaged or destroyed public infrastructure.
(35) "Public safety answering point" means the public safety location that receives and answers 911 voice and data originating in a given area as designated by the county. Public safety answering points must be equipped with 911 hardware, software, and technology that is accessed through 911 and is capable of answering incoming 911 calls and receiving and displaying incoming 911 data.
(a) "Primary public safety answering point" means a public safety answering point, as designated by the county, to which 911 calls and data originating in a given area and entering the next generation 911 network are initially routed for answering.
(b) "Secondary public safety answering point" means a public safety answering point, as designated by the county, that only receives 911 voice and data that has been transferred by other public safety answering points.
(36) "Radio communications service company" means every corporation, company, association, joint stock, partnership, and person, their lessees, trustees, or receivers appointed by any court, and every city or town making available facilities to provide commercial mobile radio services, as defined by 47 U.S.C. Sec. 332(d)(1), or cellular communications services for hire, sale, and both facilities-based and nonfacilities-based resellers, and does not include radio paging providers.
(37) "Search and rescue" means the acts of searching for, rescuing, or recovering by means of ground, marine, or air activity any person who becomes lost, injured, or is killed while outdoors or as a result of a natural, technological, or human-caused disaster, including instances involving searches for downed aircraft when ground personnel are used. Nothing in this section shall affect appropriate activity by the department of transportation under chapter
47.68
RCW.
(38) "Telecommunications provider" means a telecommunications company as defined in RCW 80.04.010, a radio communications service company as defined in this section, a commercial mobile radio service provider as defined in 47 C.F.R. Sec. 20.3, providers of interconnected voice over internet protocol service as defined in this section, and providers of data services.
(39) "Washington state patrol public safety answering points" means those designated as primary or secondary public safety answering points by the counties in which they provide service.
[
2024 c 205 s 1
;
2024 c 60 s 2
;
2022 c 203 s 2
. Prior:
2019 c 471 s 2
;
2019 c 207 s 1
;
2017 c 312 s 3
; prior:
2015 c 61 s 1
;
2007 c 292 s 1
;
2002 c 341 s 2
;
1997 c 49 s 1
;
1995 c 391 s 2
; prior:
1993 c 251 s 5
;
1993 c 206 s 1
;
1986 c 266 s 23
;
1984 c 38 s 2
;
1979 ex.s. c 268 s 1
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 113 s 1
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 4
;
1967 c 203 s 1
;
1953 c 223 s 2
;
1951 c 178 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note:
This section was amended by 2024 c 60 s 2 and by 2024 c 205 s 1, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025
(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025
(1).
Finding
—
Intent
—
2024 c 60:
"The legislature finds that the state is experiencing disasters with greater frequency and longer duration, causing damage to public infrastructure that is beyond the capacity of local government and tribal government response. Furthermore, these impacts to public infrastructure result in disruption of essential services critical to the safety and well-being of Washingtonians. Therefore, the legislature intends to provide supplementary state assistance to county governments and federally recognized tribal governments, within existing appropriations, for the cost of disaster-related response to address public infrastructure damage when authorized under governor emergency proclamation." [
2024 c 60 s 1
.]
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system
—
2022 c 203:
"The ongoing modernization of the statewide 911 emergency communications system is essential to public safety. Implementing new technologies with the modernization to next generation 911 requires clarifying changes to update requirements and definitions currently in statute." [
2022 c 203 s 1
.]
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 471:
"The legislature finds that the ability of government to fulfill its constitutional and statutory responsibilities by continuing to conduct essential functions and services during the periods of significant disruption that follow catastrophic incidents requires both continuity of operations planning by individual agencies and continuity of government planning by state and local government. It is the intent of the legislature that all levels and branches of government, both state and local, take appropriate action to cooperatively conduct appropriate planning and preparation for continuity of operations and government to assist in fulfilling these responsibilities." [
2019 c 471 s 1
.]
Finding
—
Intent
—
2017 c 312:
See note following RCW 38.52.580
.
Severability
—
Effective date
—
2002 c 341:
See notes following RCW 38.52.501
.
Effective date
—
1995 c 391:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
1993 c 251:
See note following RCW 38.52.430
.
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.020
Declaration of policy and purpose.
(1) Because of the existing and increasing possibility of the occurrence of disasters of unprecedented size and destructiveness as defined in RCW 38.52.010
(13), and in order to insure that preparations of this state will be adequate to deal with such disasters, to insure the administration of state and federal programs providing disaster relief to individuals, and further to insure adequate support for search and rescue operations, and generally to protect the public peace, health, and safety, and to preserve the lives and property of the people of the state, it is hereby found and declared to be necessary:
(a) To provide for emergency management by the state, and to authorize the creation of local organizations for emergency management in the political subdivisions of the state;
(b) To confer upon the governor and upon the executive heads of the political subdivisions of the state the emergency powers provided herein;
(c) To provide for the rendering of mutual aid among the political subdivisions of the state and with other states and to cooperate with the federal government with respect to the carrying out of emergency management functions;
(d) To provide a means of compensating emergency management workers who may suffer any injury, as herein defined, or death; who suffer economic harm including personal property damage or loss; or who incur expenses for transportation, telephone or other methods of communication, and the use of personal supplies as a result of participation in emergency management activities;
(e) To provide programs, with intergovernmental cooperation, to educate and train the public to be prepared for emergencies; and
(f) To provide for the prioritization, development, and exercise of continuity of operations plans by the state.
(2) It is further declared to be the purpose of this chapter and the policy of the state that all emergency management functions of this state and its political subdivisions be coordinated to the maximum extent with the comparable functions of the federal government including its various departments and agencies of other states and localities, and of private agencies of every type, to the end that the most effective preparation and use may be made of the nation's manpower, resources, and facilities for dealing with any disaster that may occur.
[
2025 c 58 s 2017
;
2015 c 61 s 2
;
1986 c 266 s 24
;
1984 c 38 s 3
;
1979 ex.s. c 268 s 2
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 113 s 2
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 5
;
1967 c 203 s 2
;
1953 c 223 s 1
;
1951 c 178 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Explanatory note
—
2025 c 58:
See note following RCW 1.16.050
.
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.030
Director
—
Comprehensive emergency management plan
—
Statewide 911 emergency communications network
—
State coordinator of search and rescue operations
—
State program for emergency assistance
—
State public infrastructure assistance program
—
State coordinator for radioactive and hazardous waste emergency response programs
—
Interagency coordination and prioritization of continuity of operations planning
—
Catastrophic incidents, program to provide information and education.
(1) The director may employ such personnel and may make such expenditures within the appropriation therefor, or from other funds made available for purposes of emergency management, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
(2) The director, subject to the direction and control of the governor, shall be responsible to the governor for carrying out the program for emergency management of this state. The director shall coordinate the activities of all organizations for emergency management within the state, and shall maintain liaison with and cooperate with emergency management agencies and organizations of other states and of the federal government, and shall have such additional authority, duties, and responsibilities authorized by this chapter, as may be prescribed by the governor.
(3) The director shall develop and maintain a comprehensive, all-hazard emergency plan for the state which shall include an analysis of the natural, technological, or human-caused hazards which could affect the state of Washington, and shall include the procedures to be used during emergencies for coordinating local resources, as necessary, and the resources of all state agencies, departments, commissions, and boards. The comprehensive emergency management plan shall direct the department in times of state emergency to administer and manage the state's emergency operations center. This will include representation from all appropriate state agencies and be available as a single point of contact for the authorizing of state resources or actions, including emergency permits. The comprehensive emergency management plan must specify the use of the incident command system for multiagency/multijurisdiction operations. The comprehensive, all-hazard emergency plan authorized under this subsection may not include preparation for emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of nuclear attack. This plan shall be known as the comprehensive emergency management plan.
(4) In accordance with the comprehensive emergency management plans and the programs for the emergency management of this state, the director shall procure supplies and equipment, institute training programs and public information programs, and shall take all other preparatory steps, including the partial or full mobilization of emergency management organizations in advance of actual disaster, to insure the furnishing of adequately trained and equipped forces of emergency management personnel in time of need.
(5) The director shall make such studies and surveys of the industries, resources, and facilities in this state as may be necessary to ascertain the capabilities of the state for emergency management, and shall plan for the most efficient emergency use thereof.
(6) The emergency management council shall advise the director on all aspects of the communications and warning systems and facilities operated or controlled under the provisions of this chapter.
(7) The director, through the state 911 coordinator, shall coordinate and facilitate implementation and operation of a statewide 911 emergency communications network.
(8) The director shall appoint a state coordinator of search and rescue operations to coordinate those state resources, services and facilities (other than those for which the state director of aeronautics is directly responsible) requested by political subdivisions in support of search and rescue operations, and on request to maintain liaison with and coordinate the resources, services, and facilities of political subdivisions when more than one political subdivision is engaged in joint search and rescue operations.
(9) The director, subject to the direction and control of the governor, shall prepare and administer a state program for emergency assistance to individuals within the state who are victims of a natural, technological, or human-caused disaster, as defined by RCW 38.52.010
(13). Such program may be integrated into and coordinated with disaster assistance plans and programs of the federal government which provide to the state, or through the state to any political subdivision thereof, services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds by way of gift, grant, or loan for purposes of assistance to individuals affected by a disaster. Further, such program may include, but shall not be limited to, grants, loans, or gifts of services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds of the state, or any political subdivision thereof, to individuals who, as a result of a disaster, are in need of assistance and who meet standards of eligibility for disaster assistance established by the department of social and health services: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That nothing herein shall be construed in any manner inconsistent with the provisions of Article VIII, section 5 or section 7 of the Washington state Constitution.
(10) The director is authorized to administer a state public infrastructure assistance program for emergency assistance to county governments and federally recognized tribal governments within the state that experience or respond to public infrastructure damage due to a natural, technological, or human-caused disaster. The department may initiate rule making to address the distribution of funds from county governments to recipients within the county, including political subdivisions as defined in RCW 38.52.010, special purpose districts as defined in RCW 36.96.010, and nonprofit organizations.
(11) The director shall appoint a state coordinator for radioactive and hazardous waste emergency response programs. The coordinator shall consult with the state radiation control officer in matters relating to radioactive materials. The duties of the state coordinator for radioactive and hazardous waste emergency response programs shall include:
(a) Assessing the current needs and capabilities of state and local radioactive and hazardous waste emergency response teams on an ongoing basis;
(b) Coordinating training programs for state and local officials for the purpose of updating skills relating to emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery;
(c) Utilizing appropriate training programs such as those offered by the federal emergency management agency, the department of transportation and the environmental protection agency; and
(d) Undertaking other duties in this area that are deemed appropriate by the director.
(12) The director is responsible to the governor to lead the development and management of a program for interagency coordination and prioritization of continuity of operations planning by state agencies. Each state agency is responsible for developing an organizational continuity of operations plan that is updated and exercised annually in compliance with the program for interagency coordination of continuity of operations planning.
(13) The director shall maintain a copy of the continuity of operations plan for election operations for each county that has a plan available.
(14) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the director is responsible to the governor to lead the development and management of a program to provide information and education to state and local government officials regarding catastrophic incidents and continuity of government planning to assist with statewide development of continuity of government plans by all levels and branches of state and local government that address how essential government functions and services will continue to be provided following a catastrophic incident.
[
2024 c 60 s 3
;
2022 c 203 s 3
;
2019 c 471 s 3
;
2018 c 26 s 2
;
2015 c 61 s 3
;
1997 c 49 s 2
;
1995 c 269 s 1201
. Prior:
1991 c 322 s 20
;
1991 c 54 s 2
;
1986 c 266 s 25
;
1984 c 38 s 4
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 113 s 3
;
1973 1st ex.s. c 154 s 58
;
1967 c 203 s 3
;
1951 c 178 s 4
.]
NOTES:
Finding
—
Intent
—
2024 c 60:
See note following RCW 38.52.010
.
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system
—
2022 c 203:
See note following RCW 38.52.010
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 471:
See note following RCW 38.52.010
.
Finding
—
2018 c 26:
"The legislature finds that, in 2017, the federal department of homeland security designated election infrastructure as part of our nation's critical infrastructure. Elections play a vital role in our democracy, and it is important that election administrators are able to continue election operations during emergencies. Given the federal designation of election infrastructure as critical infrastructure, counties should maintain a continuity of operations plan for the continuity of elections and the full execution of essential election operations in emergencies." [
2018 c 26 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
Part headings not law
—
Severability
—
1995 c 269:
See notes following RCW 18.16.050
.
Findings
—
Intent
—
1991 c 322:
See note following RCW 86.12.200
.
Referral to electorate
—
1991 c 54:
"Sections 1 through 6 and 9 through 16 of this act shall be submitted to the people for their adoption and ratification, or rejection, at the next succeeding general election to be held in this state, in accordance with Article II, section 1 of the state Constitution, as amended, and the laws adopted to facilitate the operation thereof. The ballot title for this act shall be: "Shall enhanced 911 emergency telephone dialing be provided throughout the state and be funded by a tax on telephone lines?"" [
1991 c 54 s 17
.]
Reviser's note:
"This act," chapter 54, Laws of 1991, was adopted and ratified by the people at the November 5, 1991, general election (Referendum Bill No. 42).
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
Severability
—
1973 1st ex.s. c 154:
See note following RCW 2.12.030
.
Hazardous and radioactive wastes: Chapters
70.136, 70A.300, 70A.388, 70A.390
RCW.
RCW 38.52.037
Comprehensive state mine rescue plan
—
Submittal to legislature.
The department shall consult with appropriate local, state, federal, and private sector officials in developing a comprehensive state mine rescue plan. The plan shall identify mine rescue resources, set forth a framework for a coordinated response to mine rescue emergencies, identify shortfalls, and recommend solutions.
The draft of the comprehensive state mine rescue plan and a schedule for submittal of the final plan shall be submitted to the legislature on January 13, 1986.
[
1986 c 266 s 26
;
1985 c 459 s 6
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
Severability
—
1985 c 459:
See note following RCW 79.14.510
.
RCW 38.52.040
Emergency management council
—
Members
—
Ad hoc committees
—
Rules review
—
Function as state emergency response commission
—
Cybersecurity advisory committee
—
Intrastate mutual aid committee.
(1) There is hereby created the emergency management council (hereinafter called the council), to consist of not more than 21 members who shall be appointed by the adjutant general. The membership of the council shall include, but not be limited to, representatives of city and county governments, two representatives of federally recognized tribes, sheriffs and police chiefs, county coroners and medical examiners, the Washington state patrol, the military department, the department of ecology, state and local fire chiefs, seismic safety experts, state and local emergency management directors, search and rescue volunteers, medical professions who have expertise in emergency medical care, building officials, private industry, and the office of the superintendent of public instruction. The representatives of private industry shall include persons knowledgeable in emergency and hazardous materials management. The councilmembers shall elect a chair from within the council membership. The members of the council shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for their travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with RCW 43.03.050
and
43.03.060
as now existing or hereafter amended.
(2) The emergency management council shall advise the governor and the director on all matters pertaining to state and local emergency management. The council may appoint such ad hoc committees, subcommittees, and working groups as are required to develop specific recommendations for the improvement of emergency management practices, standards, policies, or procedures. The council shall ensure that the governor receives an annual assessment of statewide emergency preparedness including, but not limited to, specific progress on hazard mitigation and reduction efforts, implementation of seismic safety improvements, reduction of flood hazards, mitigation of cybersecurity risks to critical infrastructure, and coordination of hazardous materials planning and response activities. The council shall review administrative rules governing state and local emergency management practices and recommend necessary revisions to the director.
(3) The council or a council subcommittee shall serve and periodically convene in special session as the state emergency response commission required by the emergency planning and community right-to-know act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 11001 et seq.). The state emergency response commission shall conduct those activities specified in federal statutes and regulations and state administrative rules governing the coordination of hazardous materials policy including, but not limited to, review of local emergency planning committee emergency response plans for compliance with the planning requirements in the emergency planning and community right-to-know act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 11001 et seq.). Committees shall annually review their plans to address changed conditions, and submit their plans to the state emergency response commission for review when updated, but not less than at least once every five years. The department may employ staff to assist local emergency planning committees in the development and annual review of these emergency response plans, with an initial focus on the highest risk communities through which trains that transport oil in bulk travel. By March 1, 2018, the department shall report to the governor and legislature on progress towards compliance with planning requirements. The report must also provide budget and policy recommendations for continued support of local emergency planning.
(4)(a) The cybersecurity advisory committee is created and is a subcommittee of the emergency management council. The purpose of the cybersecurity advisory committee is to provide advice and recommendations that strengthen cybersecurity in both industry and public sectors across all critical infrastructure sectors.
(b) The cybersecurity advisory committee shall bring together organizations with expertise and responsibility for cybersecurity and incident response among local government, tribes, state agencies, institutions of higher education, the technology sector, and first responders with the goal of providing recommendations on building and sustaining the state's capability to identify and mitigate cybersecurity risk and to respond to and recover from cybersecurity-related incidents, including but not limited to ransomware incidents. With respect to critical infrastructure, the cybersecurity advisory committee shall work with relevant federal agencies, state agencies, institutions of higher education as defined in chapter
28B.92
RCW, industry experts, and technical specialists to:
(i) Identify which local, tribal, and industry infrastructure sectors are at the greatest risk of cyberattacks and need the most enhanced cybersecurity measures;
(ii) Use federal guidance to analyze categories of critical infrastructure in the state that could reasonably result in catastrophic consequences if unauthorized cyber access to the infrastructure occurred;
(iii) Recommend cyber incident response exercises that relate to risk and risk mitigation in the water, transportation, communications, health care, elections, agriculture, energy, and higher education sectors, or other sectors as the cybersecurity advisory committee deems appropriate, in consultation with appropriate state agencies including, but not limited to, the energy resilience and emergency management office at the department of commerce and the secretary of state's office; and
(iv) Examine the inconsistencies between state and federal law regarding cybersecurity.
(c) In fulfilling its duties under this section, the military department and the cybersecurity advisory committee shall collaborate with Washington technology solutions and the technology services board security subcommittee created in RCW 43.105.291
.
(d) In order to protect sensitive security topics and information, the cybersecurity advisory committee must follow 6 C.F.R. Part 29, as it existed on July 23, 2023, procedures for handling critical infrastructure information. The reports produced, and information compiled, pursuant to this subsection are confidential and may not be disclosed under chapter
42.56
RCW.
(e) The cybersecurity advisory committee must contribute, as appropriate, to the emergency management council annual report and must meet quarterly. The cybersecurity advisory committee shall hold a joint meeting once a year with the technology services board security subcommittee created in RCW 43.105.291
.
(f) For the purpose of this subsection, "ransomware" has the same meaning as in RCW 43.105.020
.
(5)(a) The intrastate mutual aid committee is created and is a subcommittee of the emergency management council. The intrastate mutual aid committee consists of not more than five members who must be appointed by the council chair from council membership. The chair of the intrastate mutual aid committee is the military department representative appointed as a member of the council. Meetings of the intrastate mutual aid committee must be held at least annually.
(b) In support of the intrastate mutual aid system established in chapter
38.56
RCW, the intrastate mutual aid committee shall develop and update guidelines and procedures to facilitate implementation of the intrastate mutual aid system by member jurisdictions, including but not limited to the following: Projected or anticipated costs; checklists and forms for requesting and providing assistance; recordkeeping; reimbursement procedures; and other implementation issues. These guidelines and procedures are not subject to the rule-making requirements of chapter
34.05
RCW.
(6) On emergency management issues that involve early learning, kindergarten through twelfth grade, or higher education, the emergency management council must consult with representatives from the following organizations: The department of children, youth, and families; the office of the superintendent of public instruction; the state board for community and technical colleges; and an association of public baccalaureate degree-granting institutions.
[
2024 c 54 s 27
;
2023 c 124 s 2
. Prior:
2021 c 233 s 1
;
2021 c 122 s 4
;
2019 c 333 s 9
;
2015 c 274 s 17
; prior:
2011 1st sp.s. c 21 s 27
;
2011 c 336 s 789
;
2011 c 79 s 9
;
1995 c 269 s 1202
;
1988 c 81 s 18
;
1984 c 38 s 5
;
1979 ex.s. c 57 s 8
; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 s 82;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 6
;
1951 c 178 s 5
.]
NOTES:
Finding
—
Intent
—
2021 c 122:
See note following RCW 2.32.050
.
Findings
—
Intent
—
2019 c 333:
See note following RCW 28A.300.630
.
Intent
—
2019 c 333:
See note following RCW 28A.320.124
.
Effective date
—
2015 c 274:
See note following RCW 90.56.005
.
Effective date
—
2011 1st sp.s. c 21:
See note following RCW 72.23.025
.
Effective date
—
Part headings not law
—
Severability
—
1995 c 269:
See notes following RCW 18.16.050
.
Effective date
—
Severability
—
1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34:
See notes following RCW 2.08.115
.
RCW 38.52.050
Governor's general powers and duties.
(1) The governor, through the director, shall have general supervision and control of the emergency management functions in the department, and shall be responsible for the carrying out of the provisions of this chapter, and in the event of disaster beyond local control, may assume direct operational control over all or any part of the emergency management functions within this state.
(2) In performing his or her duties under this chapter, the governor is authorized to cooperate with the federal government, with other states, and with private agencies in all matters pertaining to the emergency management of this state and of the nation.
(3) In performing his or her duties under this chapter and to effect its policy and purpose, the governor is further authorized and empowered:
(a) To make, amend, and rescind the necessary orders, rules, and regulations to carry out the provisions of this chapter within the limits of the authority conferred upon him [or her] herein, with due consideration of the plans of the federal government;
(b) On behalf of this state, to enter into mutual aid arrangements with other states and territories, or provinces of the Dominion of Canada and to coordinate mutual aid interlocal agreements between political subdivisions of this state;
(c) To delegate any administrative authority vested in him [or her] under this chapter, and to provide for the subdelegation of any such authority;
(d) To appoint, with the advice of local authorities, metropolitan or regional area coordinators, or both, when practicable;
(e) To cooperate with the president and the heads of the armed forces, the emergency management agency of the United States, and other appropriate federal officers and agencies, and with the officers and agencies of other states in matters pertaining to the emergency management of the state and nation.
[
1997 c 49 s 3
;
1986 c 266 s 27
;
1984 c 38 s 6
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 7
;
1951 c 178 s 6
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.070
Local organizations and joint local organizations authorized
—
Establishment, operation
—
Emergency powers, procedures
—
Communication plans.
(1) Each political subdivision of this state is hereby authorized and directed to establish a local organization or to be a member of a joint local organization for emergency management in accordance with the state comprehensive emergency management plan and program: PROVIDED, That a political subdivision proposing such establishment shall submit its plan and program for emergency management to the state director and secure his or her recommendations thereon, and verification of consistency with the state comprehensive emergency management plan, in order that the plan of the local organization for emergency management may be coordinated with the plan and program of the state. Local comprehensive emergency management plans must specify the use of the incident command system for multiagency/multijurisdiction operations. No political subdivision may be required to include in its plan provisions for the emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of nuclear attack. If the director's recommendations are adverse to the plan as submitted, and, if the local organization does not agree to the director's recommendations for modification to the proposal, the matter shall be referred to the council for final action. The director may authorize two or more political subdivisions to join in the establishment and operation of a joint local organization for emergency management as circumstances may warrant, in which case each political subdivision shall contribute to the cost of emergency management upon such fair and equitable basis as may be determined upon by the executive heads of the constituent subdivisions. If in any case the executive heads cannot agree upon the proper division of cost the matter shall be referred to the council for arbitration and its decision shall be final. When two or more political subdivisions join in the establishment and operation of a joint local organization for emergency management each shall pay its share of the cost into a special pooled fund to be administered by the treasurer of the most populous subdivision, which fund shall be known as the . . . . . . emergency management fund. Each local organization or joint local organization for emergency management shall have a director who shall be appointed by the executive head of the political subdivision, and who shall have direct responsibility for the organization, administration, and operation of such local organization for emergency management, subject to the direction and control of such executive officer or officers. In the case of a joint local organization for emergency management, the director shall be appointed by the joint action of the executive heads of the constituent political subdivisions. Each local organization or joint local organization for emergency management shall perform emergency management functions within the territorial limits of the political subdivision within which it is organized, and, in addition, shall conduct such functions outside of such territorial limits as may be required pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
(2) In carrying out the provisions of this chapter each political subdivision, in which any disaster as described in RCW 38.52.020
occurs, shall have the power to enter into contracts and incur obligations necessary to combat such disaster, protecting the health and safety of persons and property, and providing emergency assistance to the victims of such disaster. Each political subdivision is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this section in the light of the exigencies of an extreme emergency situation without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements), including, but not limited to, budget law limitations, requirements of competitive bidding and publication of notices, provisions pertaining to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, the incurring of obligations, the employment of temporary workers, the rental of equipment, the purchase of supplies and materials, the levying of taxes, and the appropriation and expenditures of public funds.
(3)(a)(i) Each local organization or joint local organization for emergency management that produces a local comprehensive emergency management plan must include a communication plan for notifying significant population segments of life safety information during an emergency. Local organizations and joint local organizations are encouraged to consult with affected community organizations in the development of the communication plans. Communication plans must include an expeditious notification of citizens who can reasonably be determined to be at risk during a hazardous material spill or release pursuant to RCW 70.136.080
.
(ii) In developing communication plans, local organizations and joint organizations should consider, as part of their determination of the extent of the obligation to provide emergency notification to significant population segments, the following factors: The number or proportion of the limited English proficiency persons eligible to be served or likely to be encountered; the frequency with which limited English proficiency individuals come in contact with the emergency notification; the nature and importance of the emergency notification, service, or program to people's lives; and the resources available to the political subdivision to provide emergency notifications.
(iii) "Significant population segment" means, for the purposes of this subsection (3), each limited English proficiency language group that constitutes five percent or one thousand residents, whichever is less, of the population of persons eligible to be served or likely to be affected within a city, town, or county. The office of financial management forecasting division's limited English proficiency population estimates are the demographic data set for determining eligible limited English proficiency language groups.
(b) Local organizations and joint local organizations must submit the plans produced under (a) of this subsection to the Washington military department emergency management division, and must implement those plans. An initial communication plan must be submitted with the local organization or joint local organization's next local emergency management plan update following July 23, 2017, and subsequent plans must be reviewed in accordance with the director's schedule.
(4) When conducting emergency or disaster after-action reviews, local organizations and joint local organizations must evaluate the effectiveness of communication of life safety information and must inform the emergency management division of the Washington military department of technological challenges which limited communications efforts, along with identifying recommendations and resources needed to address those challenges.
[
2024 c 331 s 1
;
2017 c 312 s 4
;
1997 c 49 s 4
;
1986 c 266 s 28
;
1984 c 38 s 7
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 9
;
1951 c 178 s 8
.]
NOTES:
Finding
—
Intent
—
2017 c 312:
See note following RCW 38.52.580
.
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.073
Communication plan status report
—
Life safety information communication report.
(1) Beginning December 1, 2019, the Washington military department emergency management division must submit a report every five years to the relevant committees of the legislature containing the status of communication plans produced under RCW 38.52.070
(3)(a).
(2) The emergency management division of the Washington military department must provide the legislature an annual report on instances of emergency or disaster in which communication of life safety information was technologically infeasible, as reported to the department pursuant to RCW 38.52.070
(4). When potential technology solutions exist, the report must include recommendations and an estimate of resources required to remedy the infeasibility. The first annual report is due December 1, 2019.
[
2017 c 312 s 5
.]
NOTES:
Finding
—
Intent
—
2017 c 312:
See note following RCW 38.52.580
.
RCW 38.52.080
Outside aid
—
Rights and liabilities
—
Claims.
(1) Whenever the employees of any political subdivision are rendering outside aid pursuant to the authority contained in RCW 38.52.070
such employees shall have the same powers, duties, rights, privileges, and immunities as if they were performing their duties in the political subdivisions in which they are normally employed.
(2) The political subdivision in which any equipment is used pursuant to this section shall be liable for any loss or damage thereto and shall pay any expense incurred in the operation and maintenance thereof. No claim for such loss, damage, or expense shall be allowed unless, within sixty days after the same is sustained or incurred, an itemized notice of such claim under oath is served by mail or otherwise upon the executive head of such political subdivision where the equipment was used. The term "employee" as used in this section shall mean, and the provisions of this section shall apply with equal effect to, volunteer auxiliary employees, and emergency workers.
(3) The foregoing rights, privileges, and obligations shall also apply in the event such aid is rendered outside the state, provided that payment or reimbursement in such case shall or may be made by the state or political subdivision receiving such aid pursuant to a reciprocal mutual aid agreement or compact with such state or by the federal government.
[
1984 c 38 s 8
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 10
;
1951 c 178 s 9
.]
RCW 38.52.091
Mutual aid and interlocal agreements
—
Requirements.
(1) The director of each local organization for emergency management may, in collaboration with other public and private agencies within this state, develop or cause to be developed mutual aid arrangements for reciprocal emergency management aid and assistance in case of disaster too great to be dealt with unassisted. Such arrangements must be consistent with the state emergency management plan and program, and in time of emergency it is the duty of each local organization for emergency management to render assistance in accordance with the provisions of such mutual aid arrangements. The adjutant general shall maintain and distribute a mutual aid and interlocal agreement handbook.
(2) The adjutant general and the director of each local organization for emergency management may, subject to the approval of the governor, enter into mutual aid arrangements with emergency management agencies or organizations in other states for reciprocal emergency management aid and assistance in case of disaster too great to be dealt with unassisted. All such arrangements must contain the language and provisions in subsection (3) of this section.
(3) Mutual aid and interlocal agreements must include the following:
Purpose
The purpose must state the reason the mutual aid or interlocal agreement or compact is coordinated, the parties to the agreement or compact, and the assistance to be provided.
Authorization
Article I, section 10 of the Constitution of the United States permits a state to enter into an agreement or compact with another state, subject to the consent of Congress. Congress, through enactment of Title 50 U.S.C. Sections 2281(g), 2283 and the Executive Department, by issuance of Executive Orders No. 10186 of December 1, 1950, encourages the states to enter into emergency, disaster and civil defense mutual aid agreements or pacts.
Implementation
The conditions that guide the agreement or compacts may include, but are not limited to:
(a) A statement of which authority or authorities are authorized to request and receive assistance and the conditions that must exist for the request or receipt of assistance.
(b) A statement of how the requests for assistance may be made, what documentation of the request is required, the specifics of any details included in the request, and the required approval for the request.
(c) A statement of the direction and control relationship between the personnel and equipment provided by the jurisdiction to the requester and the requirements of the requester to coordinate the activities of the jurisdiction providing the assets.
(d) A statement of the circumstances by which the assisting jurisdiction may withdraw support from the requester and the method by which this is to be communicated.
General Fiscal Provisions
The terms of reimbursement must be stated defining the relationship between the requesting jurisdiction and the aiding jurisdiction, when reimbursement will be made, and details of the claim for reimbursement. The provisions may include statements that discuss but are not limited to:
(a) A statement of what costs are incurred by the requesting jurisdiction.
(b) A statement of what costs and compensation benefits are made to individuals from the aiding jurisdiction by the requesting jurisdiction.
Privileges and Immunities
The conditions and immunities that are enjoyed by the individuals from the aiding jurisdiction to the requesting jurisdiction must be stated. These provisions may include but are not limited to:
(a) A statement of the privileges and immunities from liability and the law an employee of a supporting jurisdiction enjoys while supporting the requesting jurisdiction.
(b) A statement of the privileges and immunities from liability and the law a volunteer from a supporting jurisdiction enjoys while supporting the requesting jurisdiction.
(c) A statement on the use of the national guard between the requesting and supporting jurisdictions.
(d) A hold harmless agreement between the signatory jurisdictions.
(e) The precedence this agreement takes with existing agreements.
(f) A time line by which information required by the agreement is exchanged and updated annually.
(g) The time in which the agreement becomes effective.
(h) The time and conditions when a signatory may withdraw and render the agreement ineffective.
[
1997 c 195 s 1
.]
RCW 38.52.100
Appropriations
—
Acceptance of funds, services, etc.
(1) Each political subdivision shall have the power to make appropriations in the manner provided by law for making appropriations for the ordinary expenses of such political subdivision for the payment of expenses of its local organization for emergency management.
(2) Whenever the federal government or any agency or officer thereof shall offer to the state, or through the state to any political subdivision thereof, services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds by way of gift, grant, or loan, for purposes of emergency management, the state, acting through the governor, or such political subdivision, acting with the consent of the governor and through its executive head, may accept such offer and upon such acceptance the governor of the state or executive head of such political subdivision may authorize any officer of the state or of the political subdivision, as the case may be, to receive such services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds on behalf of the state or such political subdivision, and subject to the terms of the offer and the rules and regulations, if any, of the agency making the offer.
(3) Whenever any person, firm, or corporation shall offer to the state or to any political subdivision thereof, services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds by way of gift, grant, or loan, for the purposes of emergency management, the state, acting through the governor, or such political subdivision, acting through its executive head, may accept such offer and upon such acceptance the governor of the state or executive head of such political subdivision may authorize any officer of the state or of the political subdivision, as the case may be, to receive such services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds on behalf of the state or such political subdivision, and subject to the terms of the offer.
[
1984 c 38 s 10
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 12
;
1951 c 178 s 12
.]
RCW 38.52.105
Disaster response account.
The disaster response account is created in the state treasury. Moneys may be placed in the account from legislative appropriations and transfers, federal appropriations, or any other lawful source. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for support of state agency and local government disaster response and recovery efforts, including the awarding of grants under RCW 38.52.600, response by state and local government and federally recognized tribes to the novel coronavirus pursuant to the gubernatorial declaration of emergency of February 29, 2020, and to reimburse the workers' compensation funds and self-insured employers under RCW 51.16.220
. Expenditures from the disaster response account may be used for military department operations and to support wildland fire suppression preparedness, prevention, and restoration activities by state agencies and local governments. The legislature may direct the treasurer to make transfers of moneys in the disaster response account to the state general fund.
[
2024 c 172 s 4
;
2022 c 157 s 10
;
2021 c 334 s 963
;
2020 c 7 s 6
;
2019 c 415 s 956
;
2017 3rd sp.s. c 1 s 962
;
2016 sp.s. c 36 s 918
;
2010 2nd sp.s. c 1 s 901
;
2010 1st sp.s. c 37 s 919
;
2005 c 422 s 2
;
2002 c 371 s 903
;
1997 c 251 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Short title
—
Findings
—
2024 c 172:
See notes following RCW 38.52.600
.
Conflict with federal requirements
—
Effective date
—
2021 c 334:
See notes following RCW 43.79.555
.
Conflict with federal requirements
—
Effective date
—
2020 c 7:
See notes following RCW 50.16.100
.
Effective date
—
2019 c 415:
See note following RCW 28B.20.476
.
Effective date
—
2017 3rd sp.s. c 1:
See note following RCW 43.41.455
.
Effective date
—
2016 sp.s. c 36:
See note following RCW 18.20.430
.
Effective date
—
2010 2nd sp.s. c 1:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [December 11, 2010]." [
2010 2nd sp.s. c 1 s 909
.]
Effective date
—
2010 1st sp.s. c 37:
See note following RCW 13.06.050
.
Rules
—
Effective date
—
2005 c 422:
See notes following RCW 51.16.220
.
Severability
—
Effective date
—
2002 c 371:
See notes following RCW 9.46.100
.
Effective date
—
1997 c 251:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 5, 1997]." [
1997 c 251 s 2
.]
RCW 38.52.107
State hazard mitigation revolving loan account.
(1) The state hazard mitigation revolving loan account is created in the state treasury. The purpose of the account is to allow the state to use any federal funds that become available to states from congress to fund a state revolving fund loan program as part of the safeguarding tomorrow through ongoing risk mitigation act. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Moneys in the account may only be used, consistent with federal law, to administer the safeguarding tomorrow through ongoing risk mitigation act program, including loans to local and tribal governments for:
(a) Carrying out projects designed to mitigate the impact of natural hazards;
(b) Zoning and land use planning changes focused on low-impact development and community resiliency;
(c) Establishing and carrying out building code enforcement for the protection of the health, safety, and general welfare of the building's users against disasters and natural hazards; and
(d) Providing technical assistance.
(2) Moneys may also be used for administration and oversight of the safeguarding tomorrow through ongoing risk mitigation act program.
(3) Moneys from federal receipts from the safeguarding tomorrow through ongoing risk mitigation act grant, appropriations from the state legislature, transfers from other state funds or accounts, all repayments of moneys borrowed from the account, all interest payments made by borrowers from the account or otherwise earned on the account, or any other lawful source may be deposited into the account. All interest earned on moneys deposited in the account, including repayments, shall remain in the account and may be used for any eligible purpose.
(4) The department may adopt such rules as are necessary under RCW 38.52.050
to administer the account.
[
2023 c 435 s 6
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2023 c 435:
See note following RCW 43.79.570
.
RCW 38.52.110
Use of existing services and facilities
—
Impressment of citizenry
—
First informer broadcasters.
(1) In carrying out the provisions of this chapter, the governor and the executive heads of the political subdivisions of the state are directed to utilize the services, equipment, supplies, and facilities of existing departments, offices, and agencies of the state, political subdivisions, and all other municipal corporations thereof including but not limited to districts and quasi municipal corporations organized under the laws of the state of Washington to the maximum extent practicable, and the officers and personnel of all such departments, offices, and agencies are directed to cooperate with and extend such services and facilities to the governor and to the emergency management organizations of the state upon request notwithstanding any other provision of law.
(2) The governor, the chief executive of counties, cities and towns and the emergency management directors of local political subdivisions appointed in accordance with this chapter, in the event of a disaster, after proclamation by the governor of the existence of such disaster, shall have the power to command the service and equipment of as many citizens as considered necessary in the light of the disaster proclaimed: PROVIDED, That citizens so commandeered shall be entitled during the period of such service to all privileges, benefits and immunities as are provided by this chapter and federal and state emergency management regulations for registered emergency workers.
(3) A vehicle, fuel, food, water, or other essential materials brought into an area affected by an emergency or disaster by a first informer broadcaster may not be seized or confiscated, except as otherwise authorized by law.
[
2019 c 207 s 2
;
1984 c 38 s 11
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 13
;
1971 ex.s. c 8 s 1
;
1955 c 210 s 1
;
1951 c 178 s 13
.]
RCW 38.52.115
Liability of federal, state, and local agencies, and employees
—
Facilitation of access of first informer broadcaster.
Federal, state, and local agencies, and their employees, are not liable for any action, or failure to act, when facilitating access of a first informer broadcaster to an area affected by an emergency or disaster.
[
2019 c 207 s 3
.]
RCW 38.52.120
Political activity prohibited.
No organization for emergency management established under the authority of this chapter shall participate in any form of political activity, nor shall it be employed directly or indirectly for political purposes.
[
1984 c 38 s 12
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 14
;
1951 c 178 s 14
.]
RCW 38.52.140
Status of civil service employee preserved.
Any civil service employee of the state of Washington or of any political subdivision thereof while on leave of absence and on duty with any emergency management agency authorized under the provisions of this chapter shall be preserved in his or her civil service status as to seniority and retirement rights so long as he or she regularly continues to make the usual contributions incident to the retention of such beneficial rights as if he or she were not on leave of absence.
[
2011 c 336 s 790
;
1984 c 38 s 13
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 16
;
1951 c 178 s 16
.]
RCW 38.52.150
Orders, rules, regulations
—
Enforcement
—
Availability
—
Penalty.
(1) It shall be the duty of every organization for emergency management established pursuant to this chapter and of the officers thereof to execute and enforce such orders, rules, and regulations as may be made by the governor under authority of this chapter. Each such organization shall have available for inspection at its office all orders, rules, and regulations made by the governor, or under his or her authority.
(2)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, every violation of any rule, regulation, or order issued under the authority of this chapter is a misdemeanor.
(b) A second offense hereunder the same is a gross misdemeanor.
[
2003 c 53 s 211
;
1984 c 38 s 14
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 17
;
1951 c 178 s 18
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Effective date
—
2003 c 53:
See notes following RCW 2.48.180
.
RCW 38.52.160
Matching funds from political subdivision may be required.
The emergency management agency is hereby authorized to require of any political subdivision to which funds are allocated under this chapter for any project, use or activity that such subdivision shall provide matching funds in equal amounts with respect to such project, use or activity.
[
1984 c 38 s 15
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 18
;
1951 c 178 s 19
.]
RCW 38.52.170
Plan for federal area.
Whenever the director finds that it will be in the interest of the emergency management of this state or of the United States, the director may, with the approval of the governor, agree with the federal government, or any agency thereof carrying on activities within this state, upon a plan of emergency management applicable to a federally owned area, which plan may or may not conform to all of the other provisions of this chapter with the view to integrating federally owned areas into the comprehensive plan and program of the emergency management of this state. Such plan may confer upon persons carrying out such plan any or all of the rights, powers, privileges and immunities granted employees or representatives of the state and/or its political subdivisions by this chapter. The plan of emergency management authorized under this section may not include preparation for emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of nuclear attack.
[
1986 c 266 s 30
;
1984 c 38 s 16
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 19
;
1951 c 178 s 20
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.180
Liability for property damage, bodily injury, death
—
Immunity
—
Assumption by state
—
Indemnification
—
Immunity from liability for covered volunteers.
(1) There shall be no liability on the part of anyone including any person, partnership, corporation, the state of Washington or any political subdivision thereof who owns or maintains any building or premises which have been designated by a local organization for emergency management as a shelter from destructive operations or attacks by enemies of the United States for any injuries sustained by any person while in or upon said building or premises, as a result of the condition of said building or premises or as a result of any act or omission, or in any way arising from the designation of such premises as a shelter, when such person has entered or gone upon or into said building or premises for the purpose of seeking refuge therein during destructive operations or attacks by enemies of the United States or during tests ordered by lawful authority, except for an act of willful negligence by such owner or occupant or his or her servants, agents, or employees.
(2) All legal liability for damage to property or injury or death to persons (except an emergency worker, regularly enrolled and acting as such), caused by acts done or attempted during or while traveling to or from an emergency or disaster, search and rescue, or training or exercise authorized by the department in preparation for an emergency or disaster or search and rescue, under the color of this chapter in a bona fide attempt to comply therewith, except as provided in subsections (3), (4), and (5) of this section regarding covered volunteer emergency workers, shall be the obligation of the state of Washington. Suits may be instituted and maintained against the state for the enforcement of such liability, or for the indemnification of persons appointed and regularly enrolled as emergency workers while actually engaged in emergency management duties, or as members of any agency of the state or political subdivision thereof, or federally recognized Indian tribe as defined in RCW 43.376.010, engaged in emergency management activity, or their dependents, for damage done to their private property, or for any judgment against them for acts done in good faith in compliance with this chapter: PROVIDED, That the foregoing shall not be construed to result in indemnification in any case of willful misconduct, gross negligence, or bad faith on the part of any agent of emergency management: PROVIDED, That should the United States or any agency thereof, in accordance with any federal statute, rule, or regulation, provide for the payment of damages to property and/or for death or injury as provided for in this section, then and in that event there shall be no liability or obligation whatsoever upon the part of the state of Washington for any such damage, death, or injury for which the United States government assumes liability.
(3) No act or omission by a covered volunteer emergency worker while engaged in a covered activity shall impose any liability for civil damages resulting from such an act or omission upon:
(a) The covered volunteer emergency worker;
(b) The supervisor or supervisors of the covered volunteer emergency worker;
(c) Any facility or their officers or employees;
(d) The employer of the covered volunteer emergency worker;
(e) The owner of the property or vehicle where the act or omission may have occurred during the covered activity;
(f) Any local organization that registered the covered volunteer emergency worker;
(g) The state or any state or local governmental entity;
(h) Federally recognized Indian tribes as defined in RCW 43.376.010
; and
(i) Any professional or trade association of covered volunteer emergency workers.
(4) The immunity in subsection (3) of this section applies only when the covered volunteer emergency worker was engaged in a covered activity:
(a) Within the scope of his or her assigned duties;
(b) Under the direction of a local emergency management organization or the department, or a local law enforcement agency for search and rescue; and
(c) The act or omission does not constitute gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
(5) For purposes of this section:
(a) "Covered volunteer emergency worker" means an emergency worker as defined in RCW 38.52.010
who (i) is not receiving or expecting compensation as an emergency worker from the state or local government, or (ii) is not a state or local government employee unless on leave without pay status.
(b) "Covered activity" means:
(i) Providing assistance or transportation authorized by the department during an emergency or disaster or search and rescue as defined in RCW 38.52.010, whether such assistance or transportation is provided at the scene of the emergency or disaster or search and rescue, at an alternative care site, at a hospital, or while in route to or from such sites or between sites; or
(ii) Participating in training or exercise authorized by the department in preparation for an emergency or disaster or search and rescue.
(6) Any requirement for a license to practice any professional, mechanical, or other skill shall not apply to any authorized emergency worker who shall, in the course of performing his or her duties as such, practice such professional, mechanical, or other skill during an emergency described in this chapter.
(7) The provisions of this section shall not affect the right of any person to receive benefits to which he or she would otherwise be entitled under this chapter, or under the workers' compensation law, or under any pension or retirement law, nor the right of any such person to receive any benefits or compensation under any act of congress.
(8) Any act or omission by a covered volunteer emergency worker while engaged in a covered activity using an off-road vehicle, nonhighway vehicle, or wheeled all-terrain vehicle does not impose any liability for civil damages resulting from such an act or omission upon the covered volunteer emergency worker or the worker's sponsoring organization.
[
2024 c 205 s 2
;
2017 c 36 s 1
;
2016 c 84 s 1
;
2011 c 336 s 791
;
2007 c 292 s 2
;
1987 c 185 s 7
;
1984 c 38 s 17
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 20
;
1971 ex.s. c 8 s 2
;
1953 c 145 s 1
;
1951 c 178 s 11
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Severability
—
1987 c 185:
See notes following RCW 51.12.130
.
RCW 38.52.190
Compensation for injury or death
—
Chapter exclusive.
Except as provided in this chapter, an emergency worker and his or her dependents shall have no right to receive compensation from the state, from the agency, from the local organization for emergency management with which he or she is registered, or from the county or city which has empowered the local organization for emergency management to register him or her and direct his or her activities, for an injury or death arising out of and occurring in the course of his or her activities as an emergency worker.
[
2011 c 336 s 792
;
1984 c 38 s 18
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 21
;
1953 c 223 s 3
.]
RCW 38.52.195
Exemption from liability while providing construction, equipment, or work.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person, firm, corporation, or other entity acting under the direction or control of the proper authority to provide construction, equipment, or work as provided for in RCW 38.52.110, 38.52.180, 38.52.195, 38.52.205, 38.52.207, 38.52.220, and
38.52.390
while complying with or attempting to comply with RCW 38.52.110, 38.52.180, 38.52.195, 38.52.205, 38.52.207, 38.52.220, and
38.52.390
or any rule or regulation promulgated pursuant to the provisions of RCW 38.52.110, 38.52.180, 38.52.195, 38.52.205, 38.52.207, 38.52.220, and
38.52.390
shall be liable for the death of or any injury to persons or damage to property as a result of any such activity: PROVIDED, That said exemption shall only apply where all of the following conditions occur:
(1) Where, at the time of the incident the worker is performing services as an emergency worker, and is acting within the course of his or her duties as an emergency worker;
(2) Where, at the time of the injury, loss, or damage, the organization for emergency management which the worker is assisting is an approved organization for emergency management;
(3) Where the injury, loss, or damage is proximately caused by his or her service either with or without negligence as an emergency worker;
(4) Where the injury, loss, or damage is not caused by the intoxication of the worker; and
(5) Where the injury, loss, or damage is not due to willful misconduct or gross negligence on the part of a worker.
[
2011 c 336 s 793
;
1984 c 38 s 19
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 22
;
1971 ex.s. c 8 s 7
.]
RCW 38.52.1951
Application of exemption from liability for architects and engineers.
For purposes of the liability of an architect or engineer serving as a volunteer emergency worker, the exemption from liability provided under RCW 38.52.195
extends to all damages, so long as the conditions specified in RCW 38.52.195
(1) through (5) occur.
[
1993 c 206 s 2
.]
RCW 38.52.198
Emergency care, rescue, assistance, or recovery services in mine rescue or recovery work
—
Immunity from liability.
No person engaged in mine rescue or recovery work who, in good faith, renders emergency care, rescue, assistance, or recovery services at the scene of any emergency at or in a mine in this state or who employs, sponsors, or represents any person rendering emergency care, rescue, assistance, or recovery services shall be liable for any civil damages as a result of any act or omission by any person in rendering emergency care, rescue, assistance, or recovery service.
[
1985 c 459 s 9
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1985 c 459:
See note following RCW 79.14.510
.
RCW 38.52.200
Liability for compensation is in lieu of other liability
—
Exception.
Liability for the compensation provided by this chapter, as limited by the provisions thereof, is in lieu of any other liability whatsoever to an emergency worker or his or her dependents or any other person on the part of the state, the agency, the local organization for emergency management with which the emergency worker is registered, and the county or city which has empowered the local organization for emergency management to register him or her and direct his or her activities, for injury or death arising out of and in the course of his or her activities while on duty as an emergency worker: PROVIDED, That nothing in this chapter shall limit or bar the liability of the state or its political subdivisions engaged in proprietary functions as distinguished from governmental functions that may exist by reason of injury or death sustained by an emergency worker.
[
2011 c 336 s 794
;
1984 c 38 s 20
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 23
;
1953 c 223 s 9
.]
RCW 38.52.205
Claims arising from emergency management related activities
—
Filing
—
Contents.
All claims against the state for property damages or indemnification therefor arising from emergency management related activities will be presented to and filed with the director of financial management. Contents of all such claims shall conform to the tort claim filing requirements found in RCW 4.92.100
as now or hereafter amended.
[
1984 c 38 s 21
;
1979 c 151 s 43
;
1977 ex.s. c 144 s 6
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 24
;
1971 ex.s. c 8 s 4
.]
RCW 38.52.207
Claims arising from emergency management related activities
—
Filing
—
Consideration, adjustment, settlement, etc., by director
—
Effect.
The director, with the approval of the attorney general, may consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, compromise and settle property loss or damage claims arising out of conduct or circumstances for which the state of Washington would be liable in law for money damages of two thousand dollars or less. The acceptance by the claimant of any such award, compromise, or settlement shall be final and conclusive on the claimant; and upon the state of Washington, unless procured by fraud, and shall constitute a complete release of any claim against the state of Washington. A request for administrative settlement shall not preclude a claimant from filing court action pending administrative determination, or limit the amount recoverable in such a suit, or constitute an admission against interest of either the claimant or the state.
[
1986 c 266 s 31
;
1984 c 38 s 22
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 25
;
1971 ex.s. c 8 s 5
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.210
Compensation boards
—
Established.
(1) In each local organization for emergency management established by the legislative authority of the county in accordance with the provisions of RCW 38.52.070, there is hereby created and established a compensation board for the processing of claims as provided in this chapter. The compensation board shall be composed of: (a) The county executive if the county has an elected county executive or, if it does not, one member of the county legislative authority selected by the authority. The executive or the member will serve as the chair of the compensation board; (b) the county director of emergency services; (c) the prosecuting attorney; (d) the emergency services coordinator for medical and health services; and (e) the county auditor who will serve as secretary of the compensation board.
(2) In each local organization for emergency management established by cities and towns in accordance with RCW 38.52.070, there is hereby created and established a compensation board for the processing of claims as provided in this chapter. The compensation board shall be composed of the mayor; the city director of emergency management; one councilmember or commissioner selected by the council or the commission; the city attorney or corporation counsel; and the local coordinator of medical and health services. The councilmember or commissioner so selected shall serve as the chair of the compensation board and the city director of emergency management shall serve as secretary of the board.
[
1986 c 266 s 32
;
1984 c 38 s 23
;
1981 c 213 s 6
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 26
;
1953 c 223 s 4
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.220
Compensation boards
—
Meetings
—
Claims not necessitating board meeting.
Said compensation board shall meet on the call of its chair on a regular monthly meeting day when there is business to come before it. The chair shall be required to call a meeting on any monthly meeting day when any claim for compensation under this chapter has been submitted to the board: PROVIDED, That as to claims involving amounts of two thousand dollars or less, the local organization director shall submit recommendations directly to the state without convening a compensation board.
[
2011 c 336 s 795
;
1984 c 38 s 24
;
1971 ex.s. c 8 s 3
;
1953 c 223 s 5
.]
RCW 38.52.230
Compensation boards
—
Attendance of witnesses, oaths, rules
—
Members uncompensated.
The compensation board, in addition to other powers herein granted, shall have the power to compel the attendance of witnesses to testify before it on all matters connected with the operation of this chapter and its chair or any member of said board may administer oath to such witnesses; to make all necessary rules and regulations for its guidance in conformity with the provisions of this chapter: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That no compensation or emoluments shall be paid to any member of said board for any duties performed as a member of said compensation board.
[
2011 c 336 s 796
;
1953 c 223 s 6
.]
RCW 38.52.240
Compensation boards
—
Duties as to compensation applications.
The compensation board shall hear and decide all applications for compensation under this chapter. The board shall submit its recommendations to the director on such forms as he or she may prescribe. In case the decision of the director is different from the recommendation of the compensation board, the matter shall be submitted to the state emergency management council for action.
[
1986 c 266 s 33
;
1984 c 38 s 25
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 27
;
1953 c 223 s 7
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.250
Compensation boards
—
Quorum
—
Transmittal of minutes, claims
—
Appeal to department.
A majority of the compensation board shall constitute a quorum, and no business shall be transacted when a majority is not present, and no claim shall be allowed when a majority of the board has not voted favorably thereon.
The board shall send a copy of the minutes of all meetings to the department with copies of all material pertaining to each claim submitted and noting the action of the board on each claim. Appeals may be made by the emergency worker from any action by the board within one year by writing to the department.
[
1986 c 266 s 34
;
1984 c 38 s 26
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 28
;
1953 c 223 s 8
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.260
When compensation furnished.
Compensation shall be furnished to an emergency worker either within or without the state for any injury arising out of and occurring in the course of his or her activities as an emergency worker, and for the death of any such worker if the injury proximately causes death, in those cases where the following conditions occur:
(1) Where, at the time of the injury the emergency worker is performing services as an emergency worker, and is acting within the course of his or her duties as an emergency worker.
(2) Where, at the time of the injury the local organization for emergency management with which the emergency worker is registered is an approved local organization for emergency management.
(3) Where the injury is proximately caused by his or her service as an emergency worker, either with or without negligence.
(4) Where the injury is not caused by the intoxication of the injured emergency worker.
(5) Where the injury is not intentionally self-inflicted.
[
2011 c 336 s 797
;
1984 c 38 s 27
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 29
;
1953 c 223 s 10
.]
RCW 38.52.270
Minors entitled to benefits.
Emergency workers who are minors shall have the same rights as adults for the purpose of receiving benefits under the provisions of this chapter, but this provision shall not prevent the requirements that a guardian be appointed to receive and administer such benefits until the majority of such minor. Work as an emergency worker shall not be deemed as employment or in violation of any of the provisions of chapter
49.12
RCW.
[
1984 c 38 s 28
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 30
;
1953 c 223 s 11
.]
RCW 38.52.280
Compensation and benefits limited by appropriation.
No compensation or benefits shall be paid or furnished to emergency workers or their dependents pursuant to the provisions of this chapter except from money appropriated for the purpose of this chapter.
[
1984 c 38 s 29
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 31
;
1953 c 223 s 12
.]
RCW 38.52.290
Applicability of workers' compensation law.
Insofar as not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, the maximum amount payable to a claimant shall be not greater than the amount allowable for similar disability under the workers' compensation act, chapter
51.32
RCW as amended by chapter 289, Laws of 1971 ex.sess., and any amendments thereto. "Employee" as used in said title shall include an emergency worker when liability for the furnishing of compensation and benefits exists pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and as limited by the provisions of this chapter. Where liability for compensation and benefits exists, such compensation and benefits shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of said sections of chapter
51.32
RCW and at the maximum rate provided therein, subject, however, to the limitations set forth in this chapter.
[
1987 c 185 s 8
;
1984 c 38 s 30
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 32
;
1971 ex.s. c 289 s 71
;
1953 c 223 s 13
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
Severability
—
1987 c 185:
See notes following RCW 51.12.130
.
Severability
—
Effective dates
—
1971 ex.s. c 289:
See RCW 51.98.060
and
51.98.070
.
RCW 38.52.300
Right of action against third party.
If the injury to an emergency worker is due to the negligence or wrong of another not on emergency duty, the injured worker, or if death results from the injury, the surviving spouse, children, parents or dependents, as the case may be, shall elect whether to take under this chapter or seek a remedy against such other, such election to be in advance of any suit under this chapter; and if the surviving spouse takes under this chapter, the cause of action against such other shall be assigned to the department; if the other choice is made, the compensation under this chapter shall be only the deficiency, if any, between the amount of recovery against such third person actually collected, and the compensation provided or estimated for such case under authority of this chapter: PROVIDED, That the department shall prosecute all claims assigned to it and do any and all things necessary to recover on behalf of the state any and all amounts which an employer or insurance carrier might recover under the provisions of the law.
[
1986 c 266 s 35
;
1984 c 38 s 31
;
1973 1st ex.s. c 154 s 59
;
1953 c 223 s 14
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
Severability
—
1973 1st ex.s. c 154:
See note following RCW 2.12.030
.
RCW 38.52.310
Coverage, classification, registration, of workers.
The department shall establish by rule and regulation various classes of emergency workers, the scope of the duties of each class, and the conditions under which said workers shall be deemed to be on duty and covered by the provisions of this chapter. The department shall also adopt rules and regulations prescribing the manner in which emergency workers of each class are to be registered.
[
1986 c 266 s 36
;
1984 c 38 s 32
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 33
;
1953 c 223 s 15
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.320
Schedule of payments.
The department shall provide each compensation board with the approved maximum schedule of payments for injury or death prescribed in chapter
51.32
RCW: PROVIDED, That nothing in this chapter shall be construed as establishing any liability on the part of the department of labor and industries.
[
1986 c 266 s 37
;
1984 c 38 s 33
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 34
;
1953 c 223 s 16
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.330
Expenditures authorized
—
Claims, payment and disposition
—
Appeals.
The department is authorized to make all expenditures necessary and proper to carry out the provisions of this chapter including payments to claimants for compensation as emergency workers and their dependents; to adjust and dispose of all claims submitted by a local compensation board. When medical treatment is necessary, the department is authorized to make medical and compensation payments on an interim basis. Nothing herein shall be construed to mean that the department or the state emergency management council or its officers or agents shall have the final decision with respect to the compensability of any case or the amount of compensation or benefits due, but any emergency worker or his or her dependents shall have the same right of appeal from any order, decision, or award to the same extent as provided in chapter
51.32
RCW.
[
1986 c 266 s 38
;
1984 c 38 s 34
;
1979 ex.s. c 268 s 3
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 35
;
1971 ex.s. c 289 s 72
;
1953 c 223 s 17
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
Severability
—
Effective dates
—
1971 ex.s. c 289:
See RCW 51.98.060
and
51.98.070
.
RCW 38.52.340
Benefits under other compensation plans.
Nothing in this chapter shall deprive any emergency worker or his or her dependents of any right to compensation for injury or death sustained in the course of his or her regular employment even though his or her regular work is under direction of emergency management authorities: PROVIDED, That such worker, if he or she is eligible for some other compensation plan, and receives the benefits of such plan shall not also receive any compensation under this chapter. The department shall adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary to protect the rights of such workers and may enter into agreements with authorities in charge of other compensation plans to insure protection of such workers: PROVIDED, That if the compensation from some other plan is less than would have been available under this chapter, he or she shall be entitled to receive the deficiency between the amount received under such other plan and the amount available under this chapter.
[
1986 c 266 s 39
;
1984 c 38 s 35
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 36
;
1953 c 223 s 18
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.350
Benefits furnished under federal law
—
Reduction of state benefits.
Should the United States or any agent thereof, in accordance with any federal statute or rule or regulation, furnish monetary assistance, benefits, or other temporary or permanent relief to emergency workers or to their dependents for injuries arising out of and occurring in the course of their activities as emergency workers, then the amount of compensation which any emergency worker or his or her dependents are otherwise entitled to receive from the state of Washington as provided herein, shall be reduced by the amount of monetary assistance, benefits, or other temporary or permanent relief the emergency worker or his or her dependents have received and will receive from the United States or any agent thereof as a result of his or her injury.
[
2011 c 336 s 798
;
1984 c 38 s 36
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 37
;
1953 c 223 s 19
.]
RCW 38.52.360
Medical, surgical or hospital treatment.
If, in addition to monetary assistance, benefits or other temporary or permanent relief, the United States or any agent thereof furnishes medical, surgical or hospital treatment or any combination thereof to an injured emergency worker, then the emergency worker has no right to receive similar medical, surgical or hospital treatment as provided in this chapter. However, the department may furnish medical, surgical or hospital treatment as part of the compensation provided under the provisions of this chapter.
[
1986 c 266 s 40
;
1984 c 38 s 37
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 38
;
1953 c 223 s 20
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.370
Medical, surgical or hospital treatment
—
Reimbursement.
If, in addition to monetary assistance, benefits, or other temporary or permanent relief, the United States or any agent thereof, will reimburse an emergency worker or his or her dependents for medical, surgical or hospital treatment, or any combination thereof, furnished to the injured emergency worker, the emergency worker has no right to receive similar medical, surgical or hospital treatment as provided in this chapter, but the department, may furnish a medical, surgical or hospital treatment as part of the compensation provided under the provisions of this chapter and apply to the United States or its agent for the reimbursement which will be made to the emergency worker or his or her dependents. As a condition to the furnishing of such medical, surgical or hospital treatment, the department shall require the emergency worker and his dependents to assign to the state of Washington, for the purpose of reimbursing for any medical, surgical or hospital treatment furnished or to be furnished by the state, any claim or right such emergency worker or his or her dependents may have to reimbursement from the United States or any agent thereof.
[
1986 c 266 s 41
;
1984 c 38 s 38
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 39
;
1953 c 223 s 21
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.380
State compensation denied if payment prevents federal benefits.
If the furnishing of compensation under the provisions of this chapter to an emergency worker or his or her dependents prevents such emergency worker or his or her dependents from receiving assistance, benefits, or other temporary or permanent relief under the provisions of a federal statute or rule or regulation, then the emergency worker and his or her dependents shall have no right to, and shall not receive, any compensation from the state of Washington under the provisions of this chapter for any injury for which the United States or any agent thereof will furnish assistance, benefits, or other temporary or permanent relief in the absence of the furnishing of compensation by the state of Washington.
[
2011 c 336 s 799
;
1984 c 38 s 39
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 40
;
1953 c 223 s 22
.]
RCW 38.52.390
Contracts or work on cost basis for emergency management activities.
The governor, or upon his or her direction, the director, or any political subdivision of the state, is authorized to contract with any person, firm, corporation, or entity to provide construction or work on a cost basis to be used in emergency management functions or activities as defined in RCW 38.52.010
or as hereafter amended, said functions or activities to expressly include natural disasters, as well as all other emergencies of a type contemplated by RCW 38.52.110, 38.52.180, 38.52.195, 38.52.205, 38.52.207, 38.52.220
and
38.52.390
. All funds received for purposes of RCW 38.52.110, 38.52.180, 38.52.195, 38.52.205, 38.52.207, 38.52.220
and
38.52.390, whether appropriated funds, local funds, or from whatever source, may be used to pay for the construction, equipment, or work contracted for under this section.
[
2025 c 58 s 2018
;
1986 c 266 s 42
;
1984 c 38 s 40
;
1971 ex.s. c 8 s 6
.]
NOTES:
Explanatory note
—
2025 c 58:
See note following RCW 1.16.050
.
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.400
Search and rescue activities
—
Powers and duties of local officials.
(1) The chief law enforcement officer of each political subdivision shall be responsible for local search and rescue activities. Operation of search and rescue activities shall be in accordance with state and local operations plans adopted by the elected governing body of each local political subdivision. These state and local plans must specify the use of the incident command system for multiagency/multijurisdiction search and rescue operations. The local emergency management director shall notify the department of all search and rescue missions. The local director of emergency management shall work in a coordinating capacity directly supporting all search and rescue activities in that political subdivision and in registering emergency search and rescue workers for employee status. The chief law enforcement officer of each political subdivision may restrict access to a specific search and rescue area to personnel authorized by him or her. Access shall be restricted only for the period of time necessary to accomplish the search and rescue mission. No unauthorized person shall interfere with a search and rescue mission.
(2) When search and rescue activities result in the discovery of a deceased person or search and rescue workers assist in the recovery of human remains, the chief law enforcement officer of the political subdivision shall insure compliance with chapter
68.50
RCW.
[
2011 c 336 s 800
;
1997 c 49 s 5
;
1986 c 266 s 43
;
1984 c 38 s 41
;
1979 ex.s. c 268 s 4
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.410
Search and rescue activities
—
Distribution of funds for compensation and reimbursement of volunteers.
Funds received by the department specifically for the purposes of compensating search and rescue volunteers shall be distributed by the director to help fund medical and compensation coverage provided by this chapter and provide reimbursement by the state for: (1) Costs involved in extraordinary search and rescue operations such as search and rescue operations lasting over twenty-four hours where food and lodging for workers is necessary; (2) excessive transportation and rescue costs incurred by out-of-county residents which would not be otherwise collectible; and (3) compensation as provided in RCW 38.52.020
(1)(d) as now or hereafter amended.
[
1986 c 266 s 44
;
1984 c 38 s 42
;
1979 ex.s. c 268 s 5
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1986 c 266:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.420
Model contingency plan for pollution control facilities and hazardous waste management.
(1) The department, in consultation with appropriate federal agencies, the departments of natural resources, fish and wildlife, and ecology, representatives of local government, and any other person the director may deem appropriate, shall assist in the development of a model contingency plan, consistent with other plans required for hazardous materials by federal and state law, to serve as a draft plan for local governments which may be incorporated into the state and local emergency management plans.
(2) The model contingency plan shall:
(a) Include specific recommendations for pollution control facilities which are deemed to be most appropriate for the control, collection, storage, treatment, disposal, and recycling of oil and other spilled material and furthering the prevention and mitigation of such pollution;
(b) Include recommendations for the training of local personnel consistent with other training proposed, funded, or required by federal or state laws for hazardous materials;
(c) Suggest cooperative training exercises between the public and private sector consistent with other training proposed, funded, or required by federal or state laws for hazardous materials;
(d) Identify federal and state laws requiring contingency or management plans applicable or related to prevention of pollution, emergency response capabilities, and hazardous waste management, together with a list of funding sources that local governments may use in development of their specific plans;
(e) Promote formal agreements between the department and local entities for effective spill response; and
(f) Develop policies and procedures for the augmentation of emergency services and agency spill response personnel through the use of volunteers: PROVIDED, That no contingency plan may require the use of volunteers by a responding responsible party without that party's consent.
[
1997 c 49 s 6
;
1995 c 391 s 4
;
1994 c 264 s 11
;
1988 c 36 s 11
;
1987 c 479 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
1995 c 391:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.430
Emergency response caused by person's intoxication
—
Recovery of costs from convicted person.
A person whose intoxication causes an incident resulting in an appropriate emergency response, and who, in connection with the incident, has been found guilty of or has had their prosecution deferred for (1) driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, RCW 46.61.502
; (2) physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, RCW 46.61.504
; (3) operating an aircraft under the influence of intoxicants or drugs, RCW 47.68.220
; (4) use of a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, RCW 79A.60.040
; (5) vehicular homicide while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, RCW 46.61.520
(1)(a); or (6) vehicular assault while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, RCW 46.61.522
(1)(b), is liable for the expense of an emergency response by a public agency to the incident.
The expense of an emergency response is a charge against the person liable for expenses under this section. The charge constitutes a debt of that person and is collectible by the public agency incurring those costs in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under a contract, expressed or implied. Following a conviction of an offense listed in this section, and prior to sentencing, the prosecution may present to the court information setting forth the expenses incurred by the public agency for its emergency response to the incident. Upon a finding by the court that the expenses are reasonable, the court shall order the defendant to reimburse the public agency. The cost reimbursement shall be included in the sentencing order as an additional monetary obligation of the defendant and may not be substituted for any other fine or cost required or allowed by statute. The court may establish a payment schedule for the payment of the cost reimbursement, separate from any payment schedule imposed for other fines and costs. All payments for the cost reimbursement must be remitted directly to the public agency or agencies that incurred the cost associated with the emergency response.
In no event shall a person's liability under this section for the expense of an emergency response exceed two thousand five hundred dollars for a particular incident.
If more than one public agency makes a claim for payment from an individual for an emergency response to a single incident under the provisions of this section, and the sum of the claims exceeds the amount recovered, the division of the amount recovered shall be determined by an interlocal agreement consistent with the requirements of chapter
39.34
RCW.
[
2020 c 330 s 4
;
2012 c 183 s 6
;
1993 c 251 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2012 c 183:
See note following RCW 9.94A.475
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
1993 c 251:
"The legislature finds that a public agency incurs expenses in an emergency response. It is the intent of the legislature to allow a public agency to recover the expenses of an emergency response to an incident involving persons who operate a motor vehicle, boat or vessel, or a civil aircraft while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or a drug, or the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage and a drug. It is the intent of the legislature that the recovery of expenses of an emergency response under this act shall supplement and shall not supplant other provisions of law relating to the recovery of those expenses." [
1993 c 251 s 1
.]
RCW 38.52.440
Assistance for persons with disabilities present at scene of emergency
—
Assessment and report
—
Definitions.
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the director, through the state 911 coordinator, and in collaboration with the department of health, the department of social and health services, the Washington state patrol, the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, the Washington council of police and sheriffs, the state fire marshal's office, a representative of a first responder organization with experience in addressing the needs of a person with a disability, and other individuals and entities at the discretion of the director, must assess, and report back to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2018, regarding:
(a) The resources, capabilities, techniques, protocols, and procedures available or required in order to include as part of the enhanced 911 emergency service the ability to allow an immediate display on the screen indicating that a person with a disability may be present at the scene of an emergency, the caller's identification, location, phone number, address, and if made available, additional information on the person with a disability that would assist the first responder in the emergency response;
(b) How best to acquire, implement, and safeguard a secure website and the information in the system provided by a person with a disability, or a parent, guardian, or caretaker of a person with a disability in order to make such information directly available to first responders at the scene of an emergency or on the way to the scene of an emergency;
(c) What information provided by a person must remain confidential under state or federal law, or otherwise should remain confidential without written permission to release it for purposes of chapter 295, Laws of 2017 or the information is otherwise releasable or available under other provisions of law; and
(d) The need to provide various agencies and employees that are first responders and emergency personnel immunity from civil liability for acts or omissions in the performance of their duties, and what standard should apply, such as if the act or omission is the result of simple negligence, gross negligence, or willful misconduct.
(2) For purposes of this section:
(a) Both "accident" and "emergency" mean an unforeseen combination of circumstances or a resulting situation that results in a need for assistance or relief and calls for immediate action; and
(b) "Person with a disability" means an individual who has been diagnosed medically to have a physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, behavioral, developmental, or sensory disability.
[
2022 c 203 s 4
;
2017 c 295 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system
—
2022 c 203:
See note following RCW 38.52.010
.
Short title
—
2017 c 295:
See note following RCW 43.70.490
.
RCW 38.52.500
Statewide 911 telephone service
—
Finding.
The legislature finds that a statewide emergency communications network of 911 telephone service, which allows an immediate display of a caller's identification and location, would serve to further the safety, health, and welfare of the state's citizens, and would save lives. The legislature, after reviewing the study outlined in section 1, chapter 260, Laws of 1990, further finds that statewide implementation of 911 telephone service is feasible and should be accomplished as soon as practicable.
[
2022 c 203 s 5
;
1991 c 54 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system
—
2022 c 203:
See note following RCW 38.52.010
.
Referral to electorate
—
1991 c 54:
See note following RCW 38.52.030
.
RCW 38.52.501
Statewide 911 emergency communications service
—
Findings.
The legislature finds that statewide 911 emergency communications service has proven to be a lifesaving service and that routing a 911 call to the appropriate public safety answering point with a display of the caller's identification and location should be available for all users of telecommunications services, regardless of the technology used to make and transmit the 911 call. The legislature also finds that it is in the best public interest to ensure that there is adequate ongoing funding to support necessary 911 system upgrades as technology evolves to next generation 911 technology and beyond for 911 emergency communications baseline service statewide that supports emerging communications devices.
[
2022 c 203 s 6
;
2002 c 341 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system
—
2022 c 203:
See note following RCW 38.52.010
.
Severability
—
2002 c 341:
"If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [
2002 c 341 s 14
.]
Effective date
—
2002 c 341:
"This act takes effect January 1, 2003." [
2002 c 341 s 15
.]
RCW 38.52.505
Statewide 911 emergency service
—
Automatic location identification
—
Rules.
The adjutant general shall establish rules on minimum information requirements of automatic location identification for the purposes of 911 emergency service. Such rules shall permit the chief of a local fire department or a chief fire protection officer or such other person as may be designated by the governing body of a city or county to take into consideration local circumstances when approving the accuracy of location information generated when calls are made to 911 from facilities within his or her service area.
[
2022 c 203 s 7
;
1999 c 24 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system
—
2022 c 203:
See note following RCW 38.52.010
.
Findings
—
1999 c 24:
"The legislature finds that the citizens of the state increasingly rely on the dependability of enhanced 911, a system that allows the person answering an emergency call to determine the location of the emergency immediately without the caller needing to speak. The legislature further finds that the degree of accuracy of the displayed information must be adequate to permit rapid location of the caller while taking into consideration variables specific to local conditions. The legislature further finds that it is appropriate that rules permitting local fire agencies to evaluate and approve the accuracy of location information relating to their service areas be adopted." [
1999 c 24 s 1
.]
RCW 38.52.510
Statewide 911 communications systems
—
Funding by counties
—
State patrol public safety answering point.
(1) Each county, singly or in combination with one or more counties, must provide or participate in countywide or multicounty-wide 911 emergency communications systems so that 911 is available throughout the state. The county must provide funding for the 911 communications system in the county in an amount equal to the amount the maximum tax under RCW 82.14B.030
(1) would generate in the county less any applicable administrative fee charged by the department of revenue or the amount necessary to provide full funding of the system in the county. The state 911 coordination office established by RCW 38.52.520
must assist and facilitate 911 implementation throughout the state.
(2) A county may request a Washington state patrol public safety answering point to become a primary public safety answering point and receive 911 calls from a specific geographical area and may cancel that designation at any time.
[
2022 c 203 s 8
;
2010 1st sp.s. c 19 s 14
;
1991 c 54 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system
—
2022 c 203:
See note following RCW 38.52.010
.
Effective dates
—
2010 1st sp.s. c 19:
See note following RCW 82.14B.010
.
Referral to electorate
—
1991 c 54:
See note following RCW 38.52.030
.
RCW 38.52.520
State 911 coordination office.
A state 911 coordination office, headed by the state 911 coordinator, is established in the emergency management division of the department. Duties of the office include:
(1) Administering the 911 account established in RCW 38.52.540
;
(2) Seeking advice and assistance from, and providing staff support for the 911 advisory committee;
(3) Providing and supporting 911 emergency communications systems, which may include procurement, funding, ownership, and management;
(4) Assisting the counties and Washington state patrol public safety answering points by distributing state 911 emergency communications system funding within the priorities identified in RCW 38.52.545
. When designated as a primary public safety answering point by the county, the state 911 coordination office may provide funding for Washington state patrol public safety answering point 911 emergency communications systems;
(5) Develop forms, submission dates, and methods as necessary for all public safety answering points to submit reports;
(6) Providing staff support and assistance to the certification board established under RCW 38.60.030
that includes, but may not be limited to:
(a) Establishing forms and procedures necessary to administer chapter
38.60
RCW;
(b) Issuing a public safety telecommunicator registration and certification to any applicant who has met the requirements for certification under chapter
38.60
RCW; and
(c) Maintaining the official record for the department of all applicants and persons with registrations and certificates under chapter
38.60
RCW;
(7) Recommending to the utilities and transportation commission by August 31st of each year the level of the state 911 emergency communications system excise tax established in RCW 82.14B.030
(5) for the following year;
(8) Establishing rules that:
(a) Determine eligible components of the 911 emergency communications system, its administration, and operation that the state and county 911 excise taxes, under RCW 82.14B.030, may be used to fund;
(b) Determine how appropriated funds from the state 911 account shall be distributed, considering the baseline level of 911 emergency communications system service needs of individual counties and county-designated Washington state patrol primary public safety answering points for specific assistance; and
(c) Specify statewide 911 emergency communications system and service standards, consistent with applicable state and federal law. The authority given to the state 911 coordinator in this section is limited to setting standards as set forth in this section and does not constitute authority to regulate radio communications service companies or interconnected voice over internet protocol service companies; and
(9) Annually providing a complete report to the 911 advisory committee on:
(a) Efforts to modernize their existing 911 emergency communications system;
(b) All public safety answering points expenditures for administrative and operational costs and expenses of the 911 emergency communications system; and
(c) Any additional data that may be identified by the 911 advisory committee.
[
2022 c 286 s 6
;
2022 c 203 s 9
;
2010 1st sp.s. c 19 s 15
;
1991 c 54 s 4
.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note:
This section was amended by 2022 c 203 s 9 and by 2022 c 286 s 6, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025
(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025
(1).
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system
—
2022 c 203:
See note following RCW 38.52.010
.
Effective dates
—
2010 1st sp.s. c 19:
See note following RCW 82.14B.010
.
Referral to electorate
—
1991 c 54:
See note following RCW 38.52.030
.
RCW 38.52.525
State 911 coordination office
—
Public education materials.
The state 911 coordination office may develop and provide public education materials relating to the 911 emergency communications system.
[
2022 c 203 s 10
;
1995 c 243 s 9
.]
NOTES:
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system
—
2022 c 203:
See note following RCW 38.52.010
.
Findings
—
Severability
—
1995 c 243:
See notes following RCW 80.36.555
.
RCW 38.52.531
911 advisory committee.
The 911 advisory committee is created to advise and assist the state 911 coordinator in coordinating and facilitating the implementation and operation of 911 throughout the state. The director shall appoint:
(1) County 911 representatives from diverse urban and rural geographical counties;
(2) The statewide 988 coordinator or designee identified by the office of the governor;
(3) Those who represent diverse geographical areas of the state and include state residents who are members of the national emergency number association, the association of public communications officials Washington chapter, the Washington state fire chiefs association, the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, the Washington state council of firefighters, the Washington state council of police officers, the Washington ambulance association, the Washington state firefighters association, the Washington state association of fire marshals, the Washington fire commissioners association, the Washington state patrol, the association of Washington cities, and the Washington state association of counties;
(4) The utilities and transportation commission or commission staff;
(5) A representative of a voice over internet protocol company;
(6) An equal number of representatives of large and small local exchange telephone companies and large and small radio communications service companies offering commercial mobile radio service in the state;
(7) A representative of the Washington state department of health; and
(8) Other members identified and appointed by the director.
[
2022 c 203 s 11
.]
NOTES:
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system
—
2022 c 203:
See note following RCW 38.52.010
.
RCW 38.52.532
911 advisory committee
—
Annual legislative update
—
Modernization
—
Public safety answering points.
(1) Annually, the 911 advisory committee must provide an update on the status of 911 service in the state to the appropriate committees in the legislature. The update must include progress by the state 911 coordination office and the counties towards continual growth and maintenance of a 911 emergency communications system with greater efficiencies in 911 operations including, but not limited to, regionalization of facilities, centralization of equipment, statewide purchasing, strategic plan performance, and fiscal health of the 911 emergency communications system.
(2) To assist with modernization of the 911 emergency communications system, all counties operating public safety answering points in Washington state, with the exception of tribal nations, must assist the 911 advisory committee to update the legislature annually within the requirements of *RCW 38.52.520
(8) by providing annual public safety answering point expenditure reports and additional information as necessary requested by the state 911 coordinator's office.
(3) To assist with modernization of the 911 emergency communications system, public safety answering points providing service in multiple counties shall report to the county where they are physically located. Public safety answering points providing services outside of Washington state borders shall limit reporting to those areas within the boundaries of Washington state. Counties receiving services from a public safety answering point outside of Washington state must report the cost of services into their county.
[
2022 c 203 s 12
;
2010 1st sp.s. c 19 s 17
;
2006 c 210 s 2
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
RCW 38.52.520
was amended by 2022 c 286 s 6 and 2022 c 203 s 9, changing subsection (8) to subsection (9).
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system
—
2022 c 203:
See note following RCW 38.52.010
.
Effective dates
—
2010 1st sp.s. c 19:
See note following RCW 82.14B.010
.
RCW 38.52.535
State 911 coordination office and advisory committee
—
Uniform national standards.
The state 911 coordination office and the 911 advisory committee may participate in efforts to set uniform national standards for the 911 emergency communications system.
[
2022 c 203 s 13
;
1998 c 245 s 32
;
1995 c 243 s 10
.]
NOTES:
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system
—
2022 c 203:
See note following RCW 38.52.010
.
Findings
—
Severability
—
1995 c 243:
See notes following RCW 80.36.555
.
RCW 38.52.540
911 account.
(1) The 911 account is created in the state treasury. All receipts from the state 911 excise taxes imposed by RCW 82.14B.030
must be deposited into the account. Moneys in the account must be used to support the priorities established in RCW 38.52.545, procure, fund, and manage the statewide 911 emergency communications system network, purchase goods and services that support the counties and Washington state patrol public safety answering points in providing 911 baseline level of service statewide, assist the counties and Washington state patrol public safety answering points to provide 911 emergency communications systems and associated administrative and operational costs, acquire 911 hardware, software, and technology appropriate to support a 911 emergency communications system, 911 emergency communications training and public education, support the statewide coordination and management of the 911 emergency communications system, and for modernization needs as technology evolves of the 911 emergency communications systems statewide.
(2) Funds generated by the 911 excise tax imposed by RCW 82.14B.030
(5), (6), and (8) may not be distributed to any county that has not imposed the maximum county 911 excise tax allowed under RCW 82.14B.030
(1) through (3).
(3) The state 911 coordinator, with the advice and assistance of the 911 advisory committee, is authorized to enter into statewide agreements to improve the efficiency of the 911 emergency communications system and shall specify by rule the additional purposes for which moneys, if available, may be expended from this account.
[
2022 c 203 s 14
;
2015 3rd sp.s. c 4 s 949
;
2013 2nd sp.s. c 4 s 966
;
2012 2nd sp.s. c 7 s 915
;
2010 1st sp.s. c 19 s 18
. Prior:
2002 c 371 s 905
;
2002 c 341 s 4
;
2001 c 128 s 2
;
1998 c 304 s 14
;
1994 c 96 s 7
;
1991 c 54 s 6
.]
NOTES:
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system
—
2022 c 203:
See note following RCW 38.52.010
.
Effective dates
—
2015 3rd sp.s. c 4:
See note following RCW 28B.15.069
.
Effective dates
—
2013 2nd sp.s. c 4:
See note following RCW 2.68.020
.
Effective date
—
2012 2nd sp.s. c 7:
See note following RCW 2.68.020
.
Effective dates
—
2010 1st sp.s. c 19:
See note following RCW 82.14B.010
.
Severability
—
Effective date
—
2002 c 371:
See notes following RCW 9.46.100
.
Severability
—
Effective date
—
2002 c 341:
See notes following RCW 38.52.501
.
Findings
—
2001 c 128:
"The legislature finds that the statewide emergency communications network of enhanced 911 telephone service, which allows an immediate display of a caller's identification and location, has served to further the safety, health, and welfare of the state's citizens, and has saved lives.
The legislature further finds that statewide operation and management of the enhanced 911 system will create efficiencies of operation and permit greater local control of county 911 operations, and further that some counties will continue to need assistance from the state to maintain minimum enhanced 911 service levels." [
2001 c 128 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
2001 c 128:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2001." [
2001 c 128 s 4
.]
Findings
—
Effective dates
—
1998 c 304:
See notes following RCW 82.14B.020
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
Effective dates
—
1994 c 96:
See notes following RCW 82.14B.020
.
Referral to electorate
—
1991 c 54:
See note following RCW 38.52.030
.
RCW 38.52.545
Priorities for 911 funding.
In specifying rules defining the purposes for which available state 911 moneys may be expended, the state 911 coordinator, with the advice and assistance of the 911 advisory committee, must consider needs necessary to provide a baseline level of 911 service by individual counties and their designated Washington state patrol public safety answering points. Priorities for available 911 emergency communications system funding are as follows:
(1) To procure, fund, and manage the statewide 911 network and supporting services, and assure that 911 dialing is operational statewide;
(2) To assist counties and Washington state patrol public safety answering points to provide 911 emergency communications systems and associated administrative and operational costs as necessary to assure that they can achieve a baseline level of service for 911 operations; and
(3) To assist counties and their designated Washington state patrol public safety answering points to acquire 911 hardware, software, and technology to support a 911 emergency communications system baseline level of service.
[
2022 c 203 s 15
;
2010 1st sp.s. c 19 s 19
;
2001 c 128 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system
—
2022 c 203:
See note following RCW 38.52.010
.
Effective dates
—
2010 1st sp.s. c 19:
See note following RCW 82.14B.010
.
Findings
—
Effective date
—
2001 c 128:
See notes following RCW 38.52.540
.
RCW 38.52.550
Emergency communications systems and information
—
Immunity from civil liability.
A telecommunications company, radio communications service company, or interconnected voice over internet protocol service company, providing emergency communications systems or services or a business or individual providing database information to 911 emergency communications personnel is not liable for civil damages caused by an act or omission of the company, business, or individual, the state, political subdivisions[,] and any 911 public corporations in the:
(1) Good faith release of information not in the public record, including unpublished or unlisted subscriber information to emergency service providers responding to calls placed to an [a] 911 emergency communications service; or
(2) Design, development, installation, maintenance, or provision of consolidated 911 emergency communications systems or services other than an act or omission constituting gross negligence or wanton or willful misconduct.
[
2022 c 203 s 16
;
2010 1st sp.s. c 19 s 20
;
2002 c 341 s 5
;
1991 c 329 s 7
.]
NOTES:
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system
—
2022 c 203:
See note following RCW 38.52.010
.
Effective dates
—
2010 1st sp.s. c 19:
See note following RCW 82.14B.010
.
Severability
—
Effective date
—
2002 c 341:
See notes following RCW 38.52.501
.
RCW 38.52.561
911 calls from radio communications and interconnected voice over internet protocol service companies
—
Technical and operational standards.
The state 911 coordinator, with the advice and assistance of the 911 advisory committee, must set nondiscriminatory, uniform technical and operational standards consistent with the rules of the federal communications commission for the transmission of 911 calls from radio communications service companies and interconnected voice over internet protocol service companies to 911 emergency communications systems. These standards must be modernized to align with national standards adopted by the state of Washington in rule making and not exceed the requirements set by the federal communications commission. The authority given to the state 911 coordinator in this section is limited to setting standards as set forth in this section and does not constitute authority to regulate radio communications service companies or interconnected voice over internet protocol service companies.
[
2022 c 203 s 17
;
2010 1st sp.s. c 19 s 21
;
2002 c 341 s 6
.]
NOTES:
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system
—
2022 c 203:
See note following RCW 38.52.010
.
Effective dates
—
2010 1st sp.s. c 19:
See note following RCW 82.14B.010
.
Severability
—
Effective date
—
2002 c 341:
See notes following RCW 38.52.501
.
RCW 38.52.575
Information in automatic number identification or automatic location identification database that is part of county 911 emergency communications system
—
Other information associated with county 911 emergency communications system
—
Exemption from public inspection and copying.
(1) Information contained in an automatic number identification or automatic location identification database that is part of a county 911 emergency communications system as defined in RCW 82.14B.020
and intended for display at a public safety answering point with incoming 911 voice or data is exempt from public inspection and copying under chapter
42.56
RCW.
(2) Information voluntarily submitted to be contained in a database that is part of or associated with a county 911 emergency communications system as defined in RCW 82.14B.020
and intended for the purpose of display at a public safety answering point with incoming 911 voice or data is exempt from public inspection and copying under chapter
42.56
RCW.
(3) This section shall not be interpreted to prohibit:
(a) Display of information at a public safety answering point;
(b) Dissemination of information by the public safety answering point to police, fire, or emergency medical responders for display on a device used by police, fire, or emergency medical responders for the purpose of handling or responding to emergency calls or for training;
(c) Maintenance of the database by a county;
(d) Dissemination of information by a county to local agency personnel for inclusion in an emergency notification system that makes outgoing calls to telephone numbers to provide notification of a community emergency event;
(e) Inspection or copying by the subject of the information or an authorized representative; or
(f) The public disclosure of information prepared, retained, disseminated, transmitted, or recorded, for the purpose of handling or responding to emergency calls, unless disclosure of any such information is otherwise exempted under chapter
42.56
RCW or other law.
[
2022 c 203 s 18
;
2015 c 224 s 6
.]
NOTES:
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system
—
2022 c 203:
See note following RCW 38.52.010
.
RCW 38.52.577
Information from automatic number identification, automatic location identification database, or voluntarily submitted for inclusion in emergency notification system
—
Exemption from public inspection and copying.
Information obtained from an automatic number identification or automatic location identification database or voluntarily submitted to a local agency for inclusion in an emergency notification system is exempt from public inspection and copying under chapter
42.56
RCW. This section shall not be interpreted to prohibit:
(1) Making outgoing calls to telephone numbers to provide notification of a community emergency event;
(2) Maintenance of the database by a local agency; or
(3) Inspection or copying by the subject of the information or an authorized representative.
[
2015 c 224 s 7
.]
RCW 38.52.580
State agency communication plan for emergencies and disasters
—
Copy to legislature
—
Report.
Beginning December 1, 2019, a state agency that provides life safety information in an emergency or disaster must provide, to the relevant committees of the legislature, a copy of its current communication plan for notifying significant population segments of such information, including the agency's point of contact. The state agency must also submit an annual report to the relevant committees of the legislature identifying those instances of emergency or disaster in the preceding year in which life safety information was provided and what public messaging strategies and means were used to notify citizens with limited English proficiency.
[
2017 c 312 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Finding
—
Intent
—
2017 c 312:
"The legislature finds that, as a matter of human dignity, all persons should be informed of emergency notifications in a manner in which they can understand. It is the intent of the legislature that all persons who may be in harm's way in an emergency are informed of their peril, and informed of appropriate actions they should take to protect themselves and their families." [
2017 c 312 s 1
.]
RCW 38.52.590
Disaster resilience program.
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the emergency management division within the department shall develop and administer a disaster resilience program. The program should include:
(a) Methods for ensuring ongoing coordination of state and local disaster resilience and response activities, including:
(i) Coordinating funding to maximize federal, state, local, and private investments;
(ii) Serving as a public and private disaster resilience resource center;
(iii) Enhancing interagency collaboration, education, and outreach programs; and
(iv) Identifying and leveraging respective roles, authorities, and expertise of agencies;
(b) Strategies for addressing the impacts of all hazards, both natural and human-caused, such as border closures, including:
(i) Developing, coordinating, and communicating disaster resilience initiatives and projects across state agencies and local governments on hazards and issues where there is not another lead agency for coordinating resilience activities, including projects that give special consideration to exclave communities;
(ii) Conducting policy research and recommendations related to enhancing disaster resilience;
(iii) Coordinating research, data collection, and analysis;
(iv) Researching economic tools to address disaster resilience; and
(v) Recommending investments to mitigate disaster risks from all threats and hazards; and
(c) Participating and collaborating in interagency efforts to advance statewide climate resilience activities under chapter
70A.05
RCW, including collaborating on the development of a statewide strategy and identifying opportunities to leverage funding to advance solutions that improve the resilience of communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems.
(2) For purposes of this section:
(a) "Resilience" means the ability to prepare, mitigate, plan for, withstand, recover from, and more successfully adapt to adverse events and changing conditions, and reorganize in an equitable manner that results in a new and better condition; and
(b) "Disaster resilience" means resilience within the critical infrastructure sectors of emergency services; communications; critical government facilities; transportation; critical manufacturing; commercial facilities; chemical manufacturing and distribution; water and wastewater treatment; and dams, excluding power generation.
[
2023 c 157 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
Intent
—
2023 c 157:
"Washington state residents have been increasingly impacted by disasters such as floods, landslides, wildfires, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic and they continue to be at risk from emergency threats and other disasters, with communities of color and vulnerable populations disproportionately impacted. Residents are also negatively impacted by certain responses to disasters, including border closures. The legislature finds that it is critical to better prepare Washington for disasters and to mitigate the impacts with coordinated resilience strategies. The legislature further finds a resilient Washington increases quality of life for Washingtonians while every one dollar spent on mitigation saves six dollars spent on recovery. To address this critical need, the legislature intends to implement a disaster resilience program for the benefit of all Washingtonians while conserving expenditures by both public and private sectors." [
2023 c 157 s 1
.]
RCW 38.52.595
State interoperability executive committee
—
Composition
—
Responsibilities.
(1) The director shall appoint a state interoperability executive committee, the membership of which must include, but not be limited to, representatives of the military department, the Washington state patrol, the department of transportation, Washington technology solutions, the department of natural resources, the department of fish and wildlife, the department of health, the department of corrections, city and county governments, state and local fire chiefs, police chiefs, and sheriffs, state and local emergency management directors, tribal nations, and public safety answering points, commonly known as 911 call centers. The chair and legislative members of the board will serve as nonvoting ex officio members of the committee. Voting membership may not exceed twenty-two members.
(2) The director shall appoint the chair of the committee from among the voting members of the committee.
(3) The state interoperability executive committee has the following responsibilities:
(a) Develop policies and make recommendations for technical standards for state wireless radio communications systems, including emergency communications systems. The standards must address, among other things, the interoperability of systems, taking into account both existing and future systems and technologies;
(b) Coordinate and manage on behalf of the department the licensing and use of state-designated and state-licensed radio frequencies, including the spectrum used for public safety and emergency communications, and serve as the point of contact with the federal communications commission and the first responders network authority on matters relating to allocation, use, and licensing of radio spectrum;
(c) Coordinate the purchasing of all state wireless radio communications system equipment to ensure that:
(i) Any new trunked radio system shall be, at a minimum, project-25; and
(ii) Any new land-mobile radio system that requires advanced digital features shall be, at a minimum, project-25;
(d) Seek support, including possible federal or other funding, for state-sponsored wireless communications systems;
(e) Develop recommendations for legislation that may be required to promote interoperability of state wireless communications systems;
(f) Foster cooperation and coordination among public safety and emergency response organizations;
(g) Work with wireless communications groups and associations to ensure interoperability among all public safety and emergency response wireless communications systems; and
(h) Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the director to promote interoperability of wireless communications systems.
(4) The department shall provide administrative support to the committee.
[
2024 c 54 s 20
;
2017 c 92 s 1
;
2015 3rd sp.s. c 1 s 213
;
2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 717
. Formerly RCW 43.105.331, 43.41A.080
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2015 3rd sp.s. c 1 ss 101-109, 201-224, 406-408, 410, 501-507, 601, and 602:
See note following RCW 43.105.007
.
Effective date
—
Purpose
—
2011 1st sp.s. c 43:
See notes following RCW 43.19.003
.
RCW 38.52.600
Extreme weather response grant program.
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall develop and implement an extreme weather response grant program for the purpose of assisting political subdivisions and federally recognized tribes, in geographic areas where vulnerable populations face combined, multiple environmental harms and health impacts as determined by the department, with the costs of responding to community needs during periods of extremely hot or cold weather or in situations of severe poor air quality from wildfire smoke. The department may adopt rules to administer the extreme weather response grant program.
(2)(a) The department may award grants to political subdivisions and federally recognized tribes, in geographic areas where vulnerable populations face combined, multiple environmental harms and health impacts as determined by the department, for reimbursement of costs in accordance with subsection (3) of this section if the costs were incurred by communities that have demonstrated a lack of local resources to address community needs and were incurred for the benefit of vulnerable populations. For the purposes of this section, vulnerability refers to the resilience of communities when confronted by external stresses on human health, such as natural or human-caused disasters. Vulnerable populations include, but are not limited to, individuals with disabilities, individuals without vehicles, older adults, individuals with low incomes or experiencing homelessness, and individuals with limited English proficiency.
(b) The department may utilize grant dollars to purchase temporary, movable shelters, which shall remain in the custody of the department to be loaned out to political subdivisions when requested by the executive head to assist with emergency response to extreme weather events.
(3) The costs associated with the following activities are eligible for reimbursement under the extreme weather response grant program:
(a) Establishing and operating warming and cooling centers, including rental of equipment, purchase of supplies and water, staffing, and other associated costs;
(b) Transporting individuals and their pets to warming and cooling centers;
(c) Purchasing fans or other supplies needed for cooling of congregate living settings;
(d) Providing emergency temporary housing such as rental of a hotel or convention center;
(e) Retrofitting or establishing facilities within warming and cooling centers that are pet friendly in order to permit individuals to evacuate with their pets; and
(f) Other related activities necessary for life safety during a period of extremely hot or cold weather or in situations of severe poor air quality from wildfire smoke as determined by the department.
(4) The department shall, upon request, provide information to political subdivisions and federally recognized tribes regarding the establishment and operation of warming and cooling centers.
(5) Grant funding awarded under this section must be used to supplement, not supplant, other federal, state, and local funding for emergency response.
(6) For purposes of this section, "political subdivision" means any county, city, or town that has established a local organization for emergency management or any joint local organization for emergency management established pursuant to RCW 38.52.070
.
[
2024 c 172 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Short title
—
2024 c 172:
"This act may be known and cited as the extreme weather protection act." [
2024 c 172 s 1
.]
Findings
—
2024 c 172:
"(1) The legislature finds that cold storm patterns in the winter months, dangerous heat waves in the summer, and other major weather events present severe public health challenges for individuals and families in Washington.
(2) Moreover, the legislature finds that these challenges are not experienced equally across the population. The elderly, people with disabilities, people with low incomes, farmworkers, people experiencing homelessness, and people who historically were zoned to areas that faced increased environmental impacts during weather events are the most at risk for losing their life or being severely impacted by weather-related ailments.
(3) The legislature finds that pets are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, including increased risk of heatstroke-related illness and death, and the inability for pet owners to find pet friendly accommodations is a major barrier to accessing heating and cooling centers and other resources and prevents individuals from evacuating to safety.
(4) The legislature finds that during the record heatwave of 2021, the deadliest weather-related disaster in Washington on record, over 100 people in Washington and nearly 800 people in the northwest region lost their lives as a result of inability to access cooling centers or resources and hundreds more visited emergency rooms with heat-related illnesses.
(5) The legislature acknowledges that according to scientists at the Pacific Northwest national laboratory, it is predicted that these severe weather events will happen more frequently because of the changing climate.
(6) The legislature finds that the cost to local governments to provide heating and cooling centers are sometimes insurmountable and intends to provide supplemental resources to local jurisdictions and tribal partners where local resources are not available during extreme weather events." [
2024 c 172 s 2
.]
RCW 38.52.610
Emergency shelters
—
Accommodation of companion animals.
(1) A political subdivision, under existing plan structures, shall, to the extent practicable based on available resources and site-specific circumstances, address cosheltering for emergency shelters in each update of its local comprehensive emergency management plan required by RCW 38.52.070
.
(2) A political subdivision, under existing plan structures, shall, to the extent practicable based on available resources and site-specific circumstances, identify emergency shelters able to accommodate persons with companion animals.
(3) Whenever a political subdivision identifies any number of emergency shelters in response to a natural disaster or extreme weather event, it should, to the extent practicable, identify at least one coshelter.
(4) An emergency shelter that is identified to accommodate persons with companion animals must have safety procedures regarding the sheltering of companion animals and comply with disaster assistance policies and procedures published by the federal emergency management agency.
(5) A political subdivision shall provide companion animal emergency preparedness information on its website, including:
(a) To the extent practicable, whether each identified emergency shelter can accommodate companion animals;
(b) Information for creating a companion animal evacuation plan and emergency checklist, consistent with the federal emergency management agency recommendations; and
(c) Identification of local organizations that provide emergency companion animal assistance.
(6) The following definitions apply to this section:
(a) "Companion animal" means a domesticated animal, such as a dog or cat, that is commonly kept in the home for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes;
(b) "Coshelter" means a temporary shelter that allows an individual to stay in an adjacent area or the same facility as a companion animal;
(c) "Emergency shelter" means a temporary location that provides basic shelter for individuals affected by an emergency or disaster; and
(d) "Existing plan structure" means planning documents describing how political subdivisions, in collaboration with nonprofit organizations, and state and federal government, will provide emergency shelter and temporary housing to individuals displaced by a disaster.
[
2025 c 80 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
Intent
—
2025 c 80:
"The legislature finds that natural disasters and extreme weather events, including wildfire, flooding, earthquakes, extreme heat, and extreme cold present severe risks to public health and safety in Washington.
The legislature further finds that pets that are companion animals are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, including risk of heatstroke-related illness and death.
The legislature further finds that many families consider their companion animals to be family members. One of the most significant factors affecting evacuation decisions is companion animal ownership. Companion animal owners may refuse evacuation, attempt to reenter evacuated sites to rescue their companion animals, and experience grief, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder due to separation from their companion animal during an emergency. In addition, zoonotic disease risks increase when companion animals are abandoned or left to roam during an evacuation.
The legislature further finds that gaps in public preparedness and cosheltering opportunities during a disaster or extreme weather event increase the risk to public health and safety.
The legislature further finds that partnerships with nongovernmental organizations support emergency planning and preparedness and may be used to support identification and operation of coshelters.
Therefore, the legislature intends to provide guidance in increasing public preparedness and identifying shelters that can accommodate companion animals so that in the event of a disaster or extreme weather event, Washington residents will not have to choose between seeking safety and staying with their companion animals." [
2025 c 80 s 1
.]
RCW 38.52.900
Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the Washington Emergency Management Act.
[
1984 c 38 s 43
;
1974 ex.s. c 171 s 41
;
1951 c 178 s 1
.]
RCW 38.52.920
Repeal and saving.
Chapter 177, Laws of 1941, chapters 6 and 24, Laws of 1943, and chapter 88, Laws of 1949 are repealed: PROVIDED, That this section shall not affect the validity of any order, rule, regulation, contract, or agreement made or promulgated under authority of the repealed acts, which orders, rules, regulations, contracts, or agreements shall remain in force until they may be repealed, amended, or superseded by orders, rules, regulations, contracts, or agreements made or promulgated under this chapter: PROVIDED FURTHER, That this section shall not affect the tenure of any officer, employee, or person serving under authority of any repealed act and such officer, employee, or person shall continue in his or her position until such time as a successor is appointed or employed under the provisions of this chapter.
[
2011 c 336 s 801
;
1951 c 178 s 17
.]
RCW 38.52.930
Transfer of powers, duties, and functions to state military department.
All powers, duties, and functions of the *department of community, trade, and economic development pertaining to emergency management are transferred to the state military department. All references to the director or the department of community development or the *department of community, trade, and economic development in the Revised Code of Washington shall be construed to mean the adjutant general or the state military department when referring to the functions transferred in this section.
[
1995 c 391 s 10
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
The "department of community, trade, and economic development" was renamed the "department of commerce" by 2009 c 565.
Effective date
—
1995 c 391:
See note following RCW 38.52.005
.
RCW 38.52.940
Construction
—
Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships
—
2009 c 521.
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[
2009 c 521 s 84
.]