Washington House Bill HB2172

Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/24
• Refer: 1/8/24
• Report Pass: 1/18/24
• Refer: 1/22/24

Caption

Providing for the use of vacant state agency property by a local government during an emergency.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2172 is expected to enhance local governments' emergency preparedness and response capabilities. By authorizing local authorities to utilize these properties, the bill seeks to streamline the process during emergencies, ensuring that resources are readily available when needed. This change in law is particularly significant given the increased frequency of emergencies and disasters that local communities face, thereby promoting resilience and effective crisis management.

Summary

House Bill 2172 aims to facilitate the use of vacant state agency properties by local governments during emergencies. This bill recognizes the pressing need for local governments to have access to resources that can help in times of crisis, allowing them to leverage unused state properties for various emergency purposes. The intent is to provide a quick and efficient remedy to local governments that might be struggling with space or resources during critical situations.

Contention

There could be debates surrounding the practicalities of this bill, such as the allocation and maintenance of vacant properties. Some may question how local governments will manage these properties and whether they have the capacity to ensure they are ready for use in emergencies. Additionally, concerns may arise over prioritizing certain areas or communities over others, potentially leading to disparities in resource access during emergencies. The bill's success will depend on the collaborative efforts between state agencies and local governments to address these challenges.