SPOKANE, Wash. – Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1258 into law Thursday, paving the way for Spokane to develop its own emergency communications system.
The Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) Board had previously to remove the Spokane Fire Department from its regional system.
However, the board recently suspended this recommendation to allow mediation between the City of Spokane, Spokane County, and SREC within the coming weeks, the city said in a release.
SREC defended its decision to remove the City of Spokane by saying discussions regarding the city’s removal had been ongoing for years and that finding a collaborative solution never came to fruition.
In a statement today, SREC said they will discuss the future of their partnership June 11, but any changes resulting from these discussions would not be implemented before January 1, 2026.
SREC said it will continue to provide uninterrupted 911 services to partner agencies throughout Spokane County. The organization assures stable funding will be maintained regardless of any future decisions or tax allocations by the City of Spokane, SREC said in its statement.
With the city entering mediation, Mayor Lisa Brown applauded the passage of HB 1258, which she says will be critical in funding a potential new emergency communications system.
“This bill ensures equitable distribution of local 911 excise tax funding for emergency communications, which is essential in building a fair, effective, and reliable system should the City of Spokane need to establish its own,” Brown said in the release.
Fire Chief Julie O’Berg emphasized the importance of the bill, highlighting its role in funding emergency communication services. “This bill brings greater equity to how emergency communication services are funded,” O’Berg said.
Police Chief Kevin Hall said the new law will ensure fast and reliable emergency response. “This is a crucial investment in public safety and emergency response for the City of Spokane. Reliable, well-funded 911 communications are the backbone of effective policing and lifesaving services,” Chief Hall added.
