Happy Friday, WSEMA! Okay, this will be a short one this week.
Super Bowl is this Sunday, with kickoff at about 3:30 p.m. our time. So, for you non-sports fans, the best time to go shopping for groceries or just get stuff done is Sunday starting around 3:30 p.m.
Let’s do this.
Association News
- WSEMA Conference: Put it on your calendars – September 21-24 at the Muckleshoot.
- Strategic Planning Committee: Our new Strategic Planning Committee Chair, Matt Green will be kicking off 2026 initiatives at 1pm, Friday 2/13!
In this meeting, we’re going to be discussing the following:
– A new committee charter
– Ideal meeting times
– Certification next steps, certificate distribution, and subcommittee formation
– Strategic plan review & updates
– Technology subcommittee options
A formal agenda will be added to the calendar event prior to the meeting
Invite details:
WSEMA 2026 Strategic Planning Kickoff
Friday, Feb 13 · 1–2 PM
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/nmc-vnfk-mjc
Or dial: +1 405-586-4106 PIN: 318666601
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/nmc-vnfk-mjc?pin=4207826056663
- Legislative Watch: Your WSEMA Legislative Committee continues to monitor bills and work with stakeholders as legislation moves through the process.
Although we are monitoring multiple bills, the ones below are the major ones we are watching closely. Please share your thoughts and opinions on any of these bills. A big thank you to those who have already shared your perspectives, we’ve read and discussed every single submission.
· HB 2089 (Supporting wildfire mitigation): Scheduled for executive session on February 9th
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?year=2025&BillNumber=2089
o Neutral
· HB 2183 (heat response plans): Referred to Appropriations.
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?year=2025&BillNumber=2183
o Opposed in current version. Creates unfunded mandate and responsibility could fall back to Emergency Management as plan facilitator.
o Sent letter to Representative.
· HB 2203 (Creating the offense of reckless interference with emergency operations): Referred to Rules review.
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2203&Year=2025
o Support
· HB 2275 (wildfire prevention council and fund): Public hearing was on Jan. 21. No Executive Session scheduled yet.
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2275&Year=2025&Initiative=False
o Opposed
· HB 2351 (protecting emergency responders): Referred to Rules Review.
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=2351&Year=2025
o Support
· HB 2357 (Civil Air Patrol): Referred to Appropriations
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=2357&Year=2025&Initiative=false
o Support
· HB 2379 (suspension of tolling in an emergency): Executive session was on the 5th and passed out of committee.
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2379&Year=2025
o Support.
· SB 5853 (mass notification system for elected officials): Public hearing occurred on Feb. 5th in Ways & Means.
o https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5853&Year=2025&Initiative=false
o Neutral
Survey link to provide input on bills: WSEMA Legislative Bill Survey
Emergency Management in Washington
- Emergency Management Day at the Capitol: February 26th is Emergency Management Day at the Capitol! Please come! I hope to see you there.
- If you are coming, or even thinking about coming, please reply to this email and let me know. A simple Yes, No, or Maybe works perfectly. We’re just trying to get a rough sense of how many emergency managers might be there.
- Flyer coming soon!
Closing Note
Go HAWKS! Enjoy the weekend, WSEMA friends.
Kyle