City of Spokane Applauds Full Passage of House Bill 1258

House Bill 1258, recently signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson, enables Spokane to explore the development of its own emergency communications system. The Spokane Regional Emergency Communications Board had previously voted to exclude the Spokane Fire Department from its regional system but chose to suspend this decision to allow for mediation. City leaders, including Mayor Lisa Brown, praised the bill for ensuring fair distribution of local 911 funds, which are essential for building an effective emergency response infrastructure. Fire Chief Julie O’Berg acknowledged the bill's recognition of the critical role cities like Spokane play in handling 911 calls. Police Chief Kevin Hall stressed that the legislation will support necessary resources for emergency services, ensuring reliable communication and response.

Spokane officials plan to commence mediation in the coming weeks to resolve disputes with Spokane County and the SREC. This legislative change not only enhances local emergency services but also underscores the community's needs for improved safety protocols. With the passage of HB 1258, Spokane aims to bolster its emergency response capabilities effectively.