Section 26.20.010. Policy and purpose.

   (a) Because of the possibility of enemy or terrorist attack, sabotage, or other hostile action against or in the state, and in order to ensure adequate preparations for attack or emergencies, and generally to provide for homeland security and the common defense, it is found and declared to be necessary to
        (1) provide for a state homeland security and civil defense agency;
        (2) confer upon the governor the emergency powers provided in this chapter;
        (3) provide for mutual aid and cooperation among the state, local, and private agencies of the state, with the other states of the United States, with the federal government, and with the provinces of another country, for carrying out homeland security and civil defense functions;
        (4) authorize the taking of steps that are necessary and appropriate to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
   (b) It is further declared that the purpose of this chapter and the policy of the state is that all homeland security and civil defense functions of this state be coordinated to the maximum extent with the comparable functions of the federal government, including its various departments and agencies, of the states of the United States and localities, and of private agencies of every type, so that the most effective preparation and use may be made of the state's manpower, resources, and facilities for dealing with any attack that occurs.
   (c) It is further declared that the purpose of this chapter and the policy of the state is that all homeland security and civil defense functions of this state be coordinated by and through the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, with the cooperation and assistance of all state agencies.

Notes

History

(Sec. 2 ch 131 SLA 1951; am Sec. 2 ch 104 SLA 1977; am Sec. 3, 4 ch 179 SLA 2004)