The bill aims to enhance seismic safety in Washington public schools by mandating the development of a seismic risk assessment for public facilities at high risk of earthquakes. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, in consultation with the State Board of Education, is required to contract a third party to conduct seismic safety surveys for public school facilities located west of the Cascade Mountains that were not previously surveyed, as well as fire stations within a one-mile radius of these schools. The assessment will include on-site evaluations by licensed geologists and structural engineers, cost estimates for retrofitting, and the submission of survey data to relevant stakeholders by July 1, 2027. This section of the bill will expire on January 1, 2028.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding school construction assistance and seismic safety grants. It introduces provisions for small school districts and state-tribal education compact schools to receive planning grants specifically aimed at addressing seismic safety risks. The advisory committee responsible for prioritizing grant applications is also tasked with considering projects that improve seismic safety, including the deployment of earthquake early warning systems. The bill emphasizes the need for coordination between various grant programs to ensure that funding does not exceed project costs and mandates that grant recipients report on their projects' progress and conditions.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.525.159, 28A.525.025