Bill Analysis - HB 1340, Statewide Pandemic Preparation and Response Task Force (Hearing 2/2/21)
Summary
A bill analysis of HB 1340, concerning creation of the statewide pandemic preparation and response task force, prepared by the House of Representatives Office of Program Research for the Community & Economic Development Committee. The hearing date is 2/2/21 and the staff contact is Cassie Jones. The analysis states that the Task Force must report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature by July 1, 2022, and that the Task Force must consult with owners of small businesses, epidemiologists, and representatives of immigrant communities. The Adjutant General and the Secretary of the Department of Health must cochair the Task Force, with staff support from the Military Department. It lists no appropriation and says a fiscal note was requested on January 28, 2021.
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“Bill Analysis - HB 1340, Statewide Pandemic Preparation and Response Task Force (Hearing 2/2/21).”
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Washington State BILL
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research ANALYSIS
Community & Economic Development
Committee
HB 1340
Brief Description: Concerning creation of the statewide pandemic preparation and response
task force.
Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Harris, Fitzgibbon, Ryu, Taylor, Wicks, Dolan, Ramel,
Valdez, Leavitt, Goodman, Johnson, J., Chopp, Orwall, Santos, Peterson, Gregerson,
Shewmake, Davis, Ormsby, Berg, Bronoske, Duerr, Fey, Bateman, Lekanoff, Senn, Callan,
Frame, Pollet, Harris-Talley and Macri.
Brief Summary of Bill
• Establishes the Statewide Pandemic Preparation and Response Task
Force (Task Force).
• Requires the Task Force to report its finding and recommendations to the
Governor and the Legislature by July 1, 2022.
Hearing Date: 2/2/21
Staff: Cassie Jones (786-7303).
Background:
The Washington Military Department, under the direction of the Adjutant General, administers
the state's comprehensive program of emergency management. The Adjutant General is
responsible for developing a comprehensive, all-hazard emergency plan for the state, known as
the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, that includes an analysis of natural,
technological, or human-caused hazards, and procedures to coordinate local and state resources
in responding to such hazards.
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative
members in their deliberations. This analysis is not part of the legislation nor does it
constitute a statement of legislative intent.
House Bill Analysis -1- HB 1340
During state emergencies, the Emergency Management Division of the Military Department
manages the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and coordinates the response to ensure help is
provided to those who need it quickly and effectively. The EOC is designated as the central
location for information gathering, disaster analysis, and response coordination. Other state
agencies with emergency roles may come to the EOC to help coordinate the state response.
Federal government agencies, along with state and local volunteer organizations, also may
provide representatives. At the EOC, information gathered is used to make decisions concerning
emergency actions and to identify and prioritize the use of state resources needed to respond to
the emergency. The EOC may issue emergency warnings or disseminate critical information and
instructions to government personnel and the public who may need to take emergency protective
actions.
Summary of Bill:
A Task Force on statewide pandemic preparation and response is established. The Task Force is
composed of the following members:
• one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the Senate, appointed by the
President of the Senate;
• one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the House of Representatives,
appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
• the Secretary of the Department of Health, or the Secretary's designee;
• the Adjutant General of the Military Department, or the Adjutant General's designee;
• the Commissioner of the Employment Security Department, or the Commissioner's
designee;
• the Director of the Department of Financial Institutions, or the Director's designee;
• the Insurance Commissioner, or the Commissioner's designee;
• the Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services, or the Secretary's designee;
• the Superintendent of Public Instruction, or the Superintendent's designee;
• the Director of the Department of Labor and Industries, or the Director's designee;
• the executive Director of the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission, or the executive
Director's designee;
• one member representing the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs; and
• one member representing each of the following, to be appointed by the Governor:
• the Office of the Governor;
• the association of Washington cities;
• the Washington association of counties;
• emergency and transitional housing providers;
• a statewide association representing physicians;
• a statewide association representing nurses;
• a statewide association representing hospitals;
• local public health officials; and
• local emergency management agencies.
House Bill Analysis -2- HB 1340
The Task Force must consult with owners of small businesses, epidemiologists, and
representatives of immigrant communities. The Adjutant General, or the Adjutant General's
designee, and the Secretary of the Department of Health, or the Secretary's designee, must
cochair the Task Force and convene its initial meeting. Staff support to the Task Force must be
provided by the Military Department.
The Task Force must study and make recommendations regarding a broad array of issues related
to pandemic preparation and response, including: (1) developing strategies to facilitate a
coordinated response by the health system; (2) establishing protections for the business
community and workers during a pandemic; (3) implementing standards regarding flexible rent
and repayment plans; (4) establishing a multidisciplinary team of experts to manage a
coordinated and comprehensive statewide response; (5) implementing other listed emergency
preparedness strategies; (6) developing strategies to increase healthcare capacity; (7) developing
strategies to monitor, track, and control positive and presumptive cases; (8) implementing
guidelines for school closures; and (9) establishing new revenue sources for funding pandemic
preparation and response efforts.
The Task Force shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the
appropriate committees of the Legislature by July 1, 2022.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 28, 2021.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is
passed.
House Bill Analysis -3- HB 1340
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