[EAS] FW: [EAS-WA] Blue Alert Legislation HB 1820

[Clay Freinwald]

>From the Washington State EAS Remailer

 

Clay Freinwald

 

From: eas-wa-bounces at sea.sbe16.org [mailto:eas-wa-bounces at sea.sbe16.org] On
Behalf Of WSAB

 

A number of you have inquired about the legislation known by the name "Blue
Alert" House Bill 1820.  The Blue Alert bill just passed the Senate in the
same form as it passed the House and, therefore, is on its way to the
Governor for signature.

 

It requires the State Patrol to develop and implement a Blue Alert system
for the purpose of alerting the public to enhance the public's ability to
assist in apprehending persons suspected of killing or seriously injuring a
law enforcement officer.  WSAB has been actively and continuously involved
with the prime sponsor of the bill, the State Patrol and the Washington
Sheriff's & Police Chiefs Association since the bill was introduced last
year.  We successfully had it amended  to include language immunizing
broadcasters from liability for broadcasting information provided by law
enforcement for a Blue Alert, as well as, language that indicates that the
Blue Alert would not use the Emergency Alert System.  We will be engaged in
developing the Plan, as we have been on the AMBER Alert Plan and the
Endangered Missing Person Advisory Plan.  The principals involved are all
committed to the requirement that the Blue Alert will not use the Emergency
Alert System.

 

Mark Allen, Esq.

President & CEO

Washington State Association of Broadcasters

724 Columbia Street N. W., Suite 310

Olympia, WA  98501

P:  (360) 705-0774

F:  (360) 705-0873

www.wsab.org <http://www.wsab.org/> 

wa-broadcasters at earthlink.net