Bill > HB2183

This bill requires counties in Washington State to develop and implement comprehensive extreme heat response plans by July 1, 2027, in collaboration with local health departments, emergency management, and other local governments. These plans must address both immediate responses during heat events and long-term strategies to mitigate future heat impacts, with a specific focus on preventing electricity brownouts or blackouts and ensuring cooling strategies go beyond just cooling centers. The plans must also prioritize the protection of vulnerable populations, including seniors, outdoor workers, medically fragile individuals, pregnant people, young children, and low-income households, and include provisions for partnerships with federally recognized Indian tribes. Additionally, counties will need to implement public outreach and education programs, establish early warning systems, recommend building adaptations like heat pumps and portable cooling units, develop protocols for heat-related medical emergencies, and monitor heat-related illnesses and the effectiveness of their interventions. Counties that already have substantially compliant plans are exempt from the initial deadline, and all counties must review and revise their plans during their comprehensive plan updates.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2183&Year=2025&Initiative=false