(1) When acting in their statutory capacities pursuant to chapter 302, Laws of 2021, the state, department, authority, state 911 coordination office, emergency management division, military department, any other state agency, and their officers, employees, and agents are deemed to be carrying out duties owed to the public in general and not to any individual person or class of persons separate and apart from the public. Nothing contained in chapter 302, Laws of 2021 may be construed to evidence a legislative intent that the duties to be performed by the state, department, authority, state 911 coordination office, emergency management division, military department, any other state agency, and their officers, employees, and agents, as required by chapter 302, Laws of 2021, are owed to any individual person or class of persons separate and apart from the public in general.

(2) Each designated 988 contact hub designated by the department under any contract or agreement pursuant to chapter 302, Laws of 2021 shall be deemed to be an independent contractor, separate and apart from the department and the state.

Findings—Intent—2021 c 302: See note following RCW 71.24.890.