To address the continuing threat of terrorism and to work with the federal Department of Homeland Security (created in 2002 following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001), homeland security in Washington in 2003 operated under the authority of the governor; the adjutant general was designated as the state homeland security advisor.
The Public Disclosure Commission, consisting of five members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate, provides disclosure of financial data in connection with political campaigns, lobbyists' activities, and the holdings of elected officials and candidates for public office. Each house of the legislature has its own board of ethics.
Public education in Washington is governed by a Board of Education and superintendent of public instruction; the Council for Postsecondary Education coordinates the state's higher educational institutions. The Department of Transportation oversees the construction and maintenance of highways, bridges, and ferries and assists locally owned airports.
The Department of Social and Health Services, the main human resources agency, oversees programs for adult corrections, juvenile rehabilitation, public and mental health, Medicaid, nursing homes, income maintenance, and vocational rehabilitation. Also involved in human resources activities are the Human Rights Commission, Department of Labor and Industries, Employment Security Department, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Council on Child Abuse and Neglect. Public protection services are provided by the Washington State Patrol, the Department of Emergency Services (civil defense), and the Military Department (Army and Air National Guard).