reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.240 - Compensation boards—Duties as to compensation applications.

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 § 33; 1984 c 38 § 25; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 27; 1953 c 223 § 7.]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.250 - Compensation boards—Quorum—Transmittal of minutes, claims—Appeal to department.

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 § 34; 1984 c 38 § 26; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 28; 1953 c 223 § 8.]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.260 - When compensation furnished.

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 § 797; 1984 c 38 § 27; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 29; 1953 c 223 § 10.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.270 - Minors entitled to benefits.

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 § 28; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 30; 1953 c 223 § 11.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.280 - Compensation and benefits limited by appropriation.

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 § 29; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 31; 1953 c 223 § 12.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.290 - Applicability of workers' compensation law.

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 § 8; 1984 c 38 § 30; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 32; 1971 ex.s. c 289 § 71; 1953 c 223 § 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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.300 - Right of action against third party.

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 § 35; 1984 c 38 § 31; 1973 1st ex.s. c 154 § 59; 1953 c 223 § 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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.310 - Coverage, classification, registration, of workers.

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 § 36; 1984 c 38 § 32; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 33; 1953 c 223 § 15.]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.320 - Schedule of payments.

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 § 37; 1984 c 38 § 33; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 34; 1953 c 223 § 16.]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.330 - Expenditures authorized—Claims, payment and disposition—Appeals.

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 § 38; 1984 c 38 § 34; 1979 ex.s. c 268 § 3; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 35; 1971 ex.s. c 289 § 72; 1953 c 223 § 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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.340 - Benefits under other compensation plans.

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 § 39; 1984 c 38 § 35; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 36; 1953 c 223 § 18.]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.350 - Benefits furnished under federal law—Reduction of state benefits.

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 § 798; 1984 c 38 § 36; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 37; 1953 c 223 § 19.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.360 - Medical, surgical or hospital treatment.

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 § 40; 1984 c 38 § 37; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 38; 1953 c 223 § 20.]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.370 - Medical, surgical or hospital treatment—Reimbursement.

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 § 41; 1984 c 38 § 38; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 39; 1953 c 223 § 21.]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.380 - State compensation denied if payment prevents federal benefits.

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 § 799; 1984 c 38 § 39; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 40; 1953 c 223 § 22.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.390 - Contracts or work on cost basis for emergency management activities.

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(1) 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.
[ 1986 c 266 § 42; 1984 c 38 § 40; 1971 ex.s. c 8 § 6.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 38.52.010 was alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k), changing subsection (1) to subsection (4). RCW 38.52.010 was subsequently amended by 2017 c 312 § 3, changing subsection (4) to subsection (5). RCW 38.52.010 was subsequently amended by 2019 c 207 § 1 and by 2019 c 471 § 2, changing subsection (5) to subsection (8). RCW 38.52.010 was amended by 2022 c 203 § 2, changing subsection (8) to subsection (12).
Severability—1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.400 - Search and rescue activities—Powers and duties of local officials.

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 § 800; 1997 c 49 § 5; 1986 c 266 § 43; 1984 c 38 § 41; 1979 ex.s. c 268 § 4.]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.410 - Search and rescue activities—Distribution of funds for compensation and reimbursement of volunteers.

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 § 44; 1984 c 38 § 42; 1979 ex.s. c 268 § 5.]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.420 - Model contingency plan for pollution control facilities and hazardous waste management.

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 § 6; 1995 c 391 § 4; 1994 c 264 § 11; 1988 c 36 § 11; 1987 c 479 § 3.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1995 c 391: See note following RCW 38.52.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.440 - Assistance for persons with disabilities present at scene of emergency—Assessment and report—Definitions.

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 § 4; 2017 c 295 § 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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.500 - Statewide 911 telephone service—Finding.

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 § 5; 1991 c 54 § 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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.501 - Statewide 911 emergency communications service—Findings.

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 § 6; 2002 c 341 § 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 § 14.]
Effective date—2002 c 341: "This act takes effect January 1, 2003." [ 2002 c 341 § 15.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.505 - Statewide 911 emergency service—Automatic location identification—Rules.

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 § 7; 1999 c 24 § 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 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.510 - Statewide 911 communications systems—Funding by counties—State patrol public safety answering point.

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 § 8; 2010 1st sp.s. c 19 § 14; 1991 c 54 § 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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.525 - State 911 coordination office—Public education materials.

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 § 10; 1995 c 243 § 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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.531 - 911 advisory committee.

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 § 11.]
NOTES:
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system—2022 c 203: See note following RCW 38.52.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.532 - 911 advisory committee—Annual legislative update—Modernization—Public safety answering points.

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 § 12; 2010 1st sp.s. c 19 § 17; 2006 c 210 § 2.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 38.52.520 was amended by 2022 c 286 § 6 and 2022 c 203 § 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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.535 - State 911 coordination office and advisory committee—Uniform national standards.

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 § 13; 1998 c 245 § 32; 1995 c 243 § 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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.545 - Priorities for 911 funding.

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 § 15; 2010 1st sp.s. c 19 § 19; 2001 c 128 § 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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.550 - Emergency communications systems and information—Immunity from civil liability.

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 § 16; 2010 1st sp.s. c 19 § 20; 2002 c 341 § 5; 1991 c 329 § 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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.561 - 911 calls from radio communications and interconnected voice over internet protocol service companies—Technical and operational standards.

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 § 17; 2010 1st sp.s. c 19 § 21; 2002 c 341 § 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.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 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.

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 § 18; 2015 c 224 § 6.]
NOTES:
Modernization of statewide 911 emergency communications system—2022 c 203: See note following RCW 38.52.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 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.

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 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.580 - State agency communication plan for emergencies and disasters—Copy to legislature—Report.

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 § 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 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.900 - Short title.

RCW 38.52.900
Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the Washington Emergency Management Act.
[ 1984 c 38 § 43; 1974 ex.s. c 171 § 41; 1951 c 178 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 38 - Militia and Military Affairs › Chapter 38.52 - Emergency Management. › 38.52.920 - Repeal and saving.

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 § 801; 1951 c 178 § 17.]