Bill Analysis — SB 6046, Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol (House Program Research, 2/20/26)

Summary

This is a bill analysis of SB 6046 by the House of Representatives Office of Program Research for the Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Committee, Washington State, with a hearing date of 2/20/26. The brief description is establishing the Washington division of civil air patrol as part of the Washington military department; the sponsors are Senators Wagoner, Lovick, Conway, Liias and Nobles, by request of Military Department. The brief summary says the bill creates a Civil Air Patrol Division (CAP) within the Washington Military Department to serve at the Governor's order. The analysis lists the appropriation as None and the effective date as 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

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Full text

Washington State BILL
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research ANALYSIS
Technology, Economic Development, &
Veterans Committee
SB 6046
Brief Description: Establishing the Washington division of civil air patrol as part of the
Washington military department.

Sponsors: Senators Wagoner, Lovick, Conway, Liias and Nobles; by request of Military
Department.

Brief Summary of Bill
• Creates a Civil Air Patrol Division (CAP) within the Washington
Military Department to serve at the Governor's order.
• Allows the CAP to cooperate with state agencies, local governments, and
tribes to provide training, communication, disaster relief, cyber security
missions, or search and rescue.
• Specifies the Commanding Officer and participation in the CAP.

Hearing Date: 2/20/26

Staff: Martha Wehling (786-7067).

Background:

The Washington Military Department (MIL) is directed by the Adjutant General and safeguards
Washington residents, property, and the environment by providing trained forces for emergency
response, disaster preparedness and recovery, and alternative education for at-risk youth. The six
operational divisions within the MIL use state and federal resources to provide defense and
security for state and federal purposes. The Washington Air National Guard consists of two
wings and the Western Air Defense Sector whose purpose is to refuel military jets, enhance

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- SB 6046
cyber security, and provide assistance during state emergencies.

Within the MIL, "officers" are commissioned and warrant officers, and "enlisted persons" are
members of the organized militia other than commissioned and warrant officers. The "organized
militia" is the commissioned officers, warrant officers, enlisted persons, organizations, staffs,
corps, and departments of the regularly commissioned, warranted, and enlisted militia of the
state. A "cadet" is an individual attending the Washington State Patrol academy to become a
commissioned trooper.

The Governor has the authority to prescribe the organized militia's numbers, composition,
distribution, organization, arms, uniforms, equipment, training, and discipline, subject to federal
and state law.

Some state agencies and local governments have aviation support units that assist the state in
emergencies, such as firefighting and search and rescue. These include the Washington Air
National Guard in Spokane, Camp Murray, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord; the Department of
Natural Resources in Olympia, Yakima, and additional bases during fire season; the King
County Sheriff's Office; and the Pierce County Air Unit. The Washington State Patrol has an
Aviation Section which uses aircraft and equipment for enforcement, incident assessment,
transportation, and surveillance. The Aviation Section is based in Olympia.

The federal Civil Air Patrol (federal CAP) supports the United States Air Force. The federal
CAP provides emergency services, aerospace education, cadet programs, and support to Air
Force personnel. The federal CAP consists of state-level "wings," and is a congressionally
chartered, nonprofit, all-volunteer organization. The Washington wing of the federal CAP is
based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Summary of Bill:

The Washington Civil Air Patrol (state CAP) Division is established. A member of the
Washington wing of the federally chartered Civil Air Patrol (federal CAP) may volunteer to be a
member of the state CAP. Commissioned officers, warrant officers, enlisted persons, and cadets
are required to be members of the state CAP.

The commanding officer of the federal CAP is required to be the head of the state CAP, except
in the case of a vacancy. In that situation, the civil air patrol is required to designate another
officer. The director of the state CAP may employ personnel.

The Governor may order the state CAP into active state service. The state CAP may cooperate
with a state agency, county, city, town, or federally recognized tribe within the state by entering
into an agreement to provide:
• cadet training;
• communications;
• cyber security missions;

House Bill Analysis -2- SB 6046
• disaster relief;
• search and rescue missions or assistance; or
• other related functions within the same scope as the federal CAP.

The head of the state CAP may accept reimbursement for any expenses incurred by the state
CAP for the performance of the duties identified above.

The operation of the federal CAP is not changed or affected by the creation of the state CAP.
Cooperation with the United States government and its agencies and departments is not changed
or affected by the creation of the state CAP.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is
passed.

House Bill Analysis -3- SB 6046

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