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Bill to integrate Civil Air Patrol into state military structure draws support
Summary
Senate Bill 6046 would establish a Washington Division of the Civil Air Patrol within the Washington Military Department to improve coordination for disaster response, search-and-rescue, cadet programs and aerospace education; agency leaders and veterans groups testified in favor.
Senate Bill 6046 would create a Washington Division of the Civil Air Patrol under the Washington Military Department to streamline coordination for missions such as aerial surveys after floods, wildfire assessments, search-and-rescue, and cadet programs. Committee staff said the change clarifies how Civil Air Patrol volunteers would cooperate with state and local agencies and tribes.
Sen. Keith Wagoner (39th LD) described the bill as improving command-and-control alignment. Maj. Gen. Jent Welsh, director of the Washington Military Department, testified the measure carries no state price tag and would let emergency managers access Civil Air Patrol capabilities more quickly during disasters. "This bill gives the state easier access to tools that will protect communities, respond to disasters, recover more quickly without adding any existing costs or changing authorities," Welsh said.
Colonel Sid Wiggs, commander of the Washington Wing Civil Air Patrol, told the committee the proposal mirrors laws in other states and would increase missions including aerial surveys, drone and ground photography, and support for search-and-rescue. Veterans groups also urged passage before the upcoming fire season. The committee closed the hearing after receiving supportive testimony.
