Panelists tell senators interoperable school maps would speed emergency response but vendors, districts ask for stakeholder input

Committee staff described SB 6,042 as a bill to require safe‑school plans to include the creation and maintenance of school maps made available to first responders in interoperable digital formats; mapping data must be collected, stored and transmitted within the United States and would be excluded from disclosure under the Public Records Act, subject to appropriations.

Supporters said accurate maps reduce friction in multi‑agency responses, provide a common operating picture to incident commanders and can be integrated into 9‑1‑1 and responder systems. David Teague (school board member) and multiple public‑safety witnesses described situations where inconsistent or outdated maps made coordinated response more difficult. A battalion chief and a lieutenant explained that a true‑north map with grids allows precise tactical communication during incidents.

Vendors and mapping contractors urged that Washington stakeholders set data‑model defaults, raised concerns about potential vendor lock‑in, and recommended that ownership of map data remain with schools. One witness recommended removing a statutory requirement for a third‑party contractor to perform walkthroughs; another suggested adopting the public safety indoor GIS data model as the default format. Several speakers emphasized the need for funding to complete and maintain accurate maps statewide.

Students also testified in favor, saying updated mapping improves safety for staff and students.

The committee closed the hearing with an acknowledgement that appropriations will be necessary to ensure maps are created and kept current.