The House Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee adopted a substitute bill on January 29 that failed to address concerns raised by local governments.

The Washington State Emergency Management Association (WSEMA) has raised several concerns about HB 1201 and its negative impacts on emergency planning and emergency response. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mari Leavitt (D–University Place), has communicated that she is aware of the issues and has committed to amending the language on the House floor.

The issues raised by WSEMA focus on the extreme weather sheltering requirements of this bill and how those requirements should not be tied to a local government’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) because:

1. Current state law does not require local governments to plan for extreme weather shelters like heating or cooling centers.
2. The State’s CEMP does not include extreme weather shelters, and local CEMPs must align with the State CEMP under current law.
3. Identifying specific shelter locations in a CEMP goes against best practices for developing these plans.
4. Emergency management agencies do not contract with or oversee non-government shelter operators. For example, the American Red Cross has its own policies for sheltering pets during an emergency.

Additionally, as currently written, the bill implies that local governments with CEMPs are responsible for operating shelters during an emergency, which is not necessarily the case.

The bill now awaits action in the House Rules Committee.

Emergency preparedness plans may require accommodating pets

January 24, 2025

In response to the increasing frequency of natural disasters and extreme weather events, the House is looking to require local governments to plan for accommodating pets in shelters.

HB 1201, sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt (D–University Place), looks to address a perceived gap in disaster response plans that may overlook the needs of pets and their owners during an emergency.

As currently written, the bill creates two new requirements for cities:

1. Cities must update their local comprehensive emergency management plan to accommodate pets
   As a part of the update, cities must identify at least one shelter within their jurisdiction that can accommodate individuals with pets during an emergency, heat wave, or period of extreme cold.
   
   Cities must also develop safety procedures regarding the sheltering of pets and comply with disaster assistance policies and procedures published by FEMA.

2. Cities must publicize information on pet emergency preparedness
   Under the bill, cities would need to provide the following information on their website:
   • Which emergency shelters, cooling centers, and heating centers can accommodate pets;
   • Information for creating a pet evacuation plan and emergency checklist that is consistent with FEMA recommendations; and
   • A list of local organizations that provide emergency pet assistance.

HB 1201 defines pet as “a domesticated animal, such as a dog or cat, that is commonly kept in the home for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes.” A 2023 survey from the American Pet Products Association reported that 66% of U.S. households own a pet.

While the bill aims to enhance public safety and ensure that individuals can protect themselves and their pets during an emergency, it also presents an unknown fiscal burden for cities as well as complicates how a city plans for and responds to an emergency situation. The Washington Emergency Management Association is working on amended language to address several issues raised by local governments and emergency management professionals.

Dates to remember

HB 1201 is scheduled for executive session in the House Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee on Wednesday, January 29 at 8 am.