The Washington State Senate today took a step toward bolstering the state’s emergency readiness by unanimously passing Senate Bill 6046. The measure from Sen. Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley, would formally establish in law the Washington Division of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) as an official branch within the state Military Department.

Should Wagoner’s proposal become law, the CAP would transition from an informal partner to a formal state asset. By creating a dedicated division, the legislation aims to ensure a clear, unified chain of command that allows the Military Department to deploy CAP’s specialized volunteer pilots and ground crews more rapidly during critical missions.

“This bill was requested by the Military Department, and it really makes a lot of common sense,” said Wagoner. “Technically, it establishes a Civil Air Patrol division within our Military Department. Practically, it’s a win for the CAP, the department, and our state because it specifies the chain of command, making it much easier for these volunteers to assist in the things they do so well.”

As the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, the Civil Air Patrol operates as a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that provides a massive force multiplier for Washington’s emergency services. These dedicated volunteers manage 85 percent of inland search and rescue missions for the Air Force, while also serving as the state’s eyes in the sky to track active wildfires and flood conditions. Beyond these emergency roles, the Washington Wing of the CAP operates a fleet of light aircraft to support disaster relief.

“This is going to enable us to move more quickly into a mode where we take full advantage of our Civil Air Patrol,” Wagoner continued. “Whether it’s aviation-based search and rescue or on-the-ground tracking of wildfires and floods—as we saw earlier this year—this change in structure would allow us to deploy those resources to the maximum benefit of the state.”

Wagoner also emphasized that the bill supports the CAP’s broader mission of youth development. The organization’s cadet program serves as a high-impact training ground for Washington’s next generation of leaders, offering aerospace education and character development.

“I also want to highlight how the Civil Air Patrol does such a great job with our young people,” Wagoner said. “It is teaching leadership and providing cadets with opportunities they might not learn about otherwise. This bill is great for our state, great for our Military Department, and great for the future of these young leaders. I was proud to see it receive unanimous support.”

SB 6046 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.