BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary
Senator Tom Torlakson, Chairman
296 (Dutton)
Hearing Date: 4/23/07 Amended: A I
Consultant: Bob Franzoia Policy Vote: GO 8-0
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BILL SUMMARY: SB 296 would rename the Disaster Resistant
Communities Account as the Disaster Resistant Community Fund.
The bill would delete the requirement that specified disaster
preparedness activities undertaken by the Office of Emergency
Services (OES) utilizing this fund be contingent upon receipt of
donations to the Disaster Resistant Communities Fund.
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Fiscal Impact (in thousands)
Major Provisions 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 Fund
Funding shift for specified Unknown, estimated $200 to
potentially General
disaster preparedness major, cost pressure ongoing
activities
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STAFF COMMENTS: This bill meets the criteria for referral to the
Suspense File.
Pursuant to Chapter 232/2005 (SB 546/Dutton) the OES may include
private businesses and nonprofit organizations within its
responsibilities to prepare the state for disasters. All
participation by businesses and nonprofit associations in this
program shall be voluntary. All activities undertaken by OES
shall be contingent upon the receipt of donations to the DRCA.
This bill would delete that provision thereby shifting some or
all of the cost of these activities to the General Fund.
To date, OES has not received any donations to the DRCA.
Staff notes it is unclear why OES needs a separate statute to
include private businesses and nonprofit associations within its
responsibilities to prepare the state for disasters. Such a
responsibility likely falls under office's general authority.