Prefiled companion bills, HB 1040 and SB 5106, aim to create a work group to study and make recommendations on natural disaster mitigation and resiliency activities. AWC supports the bills and the work group includes a member of AWC to represent city interests.
The bills direct the work group to study the following areas:
- Existing disaster mitigation and resiliency activities by public and private entities in Washington, other states, and at the federal level – including coordination and funding; and
- Review disaster-related insurance policies, such as flood and earthquake insurance.
The work group would be tasked with submitting a preliminary report by November 1, 2019, with a final report with recommendations due by December 1, 2020.
HB 1040, sponsored by Rep. Kristine Reeves (D-Federal Way), is scheduled for a hearing in the House Housing Community Development & Veterans Committee on Wednesday, January 16. A work session begins at 8 am prior to the public hearing.
SB 5106, sponsored by Sen. Mona Das (D-Auburn), is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Financial Institutions, Economic Development & Trade Committee at 8 am on Tuesday, January 15.