Bill > SB5624

This bill requires the Washington State Patrol (WSP), in collaboration with the Department of Ecology, local fire districts, towing companies, and other stakeholders, to develop comprehensive best practices for responding to electric vehicle (EV) fires. The best practices will focus on two primary areas: first, guidelines for law enforcement, fire agencies, and other first responders when dealing with EVs involved in collisions or fires, and second, protocols for safely transporting, towing, and storing electric vehicles after such incidents. Additionally, the WSP, through the director of fire protection, must create detailed interagency coordination checklists that outline these best practices, which will then be distributed to all fire agencies in Washington state. The goal of this legislation is to improve safety and standardize emergency response procedures specifically for the unique challenges posed by electric vehicle incidents, reflecting the growing prevalence of EVs and the need for specialized handling during emergencies.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5624&Year=2025&Initiative=false