FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 2576

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

C 28 L 18

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Allowing fire protection district annexations and mergers within a reasonable geographic proximity.

Sponsors: House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Griffey, Springer and McBride).

House Committee on Local Government

Senate Committee on Local Government

Background:

Fire Protection Districts.

A fire protection district (district) is a type of special purpose district created to provide fire prevention, fire suppression, and emergency medical services within a district's boundaries, which can include incorporated and unincorporated areas. Generally, districts serve residents outside of cities or towns, except when cities and towns have been annexed into a district or when the district continues to provide service to a newly incorporated area. The districts finance their activities and facilities by imposing regular property taxes, excess voter-approved property tax levies, and benefit charges.

Annexation to a Fire Protection District.

A city or town may annex to a district provided it is located within a reasonable proximity to that district. A district may also merge with another district if it is located within a reasonable proximity to that district. There are various methods for annexations such as: 

 

 

Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities.

Regional fire protection services authorities (RFAs) are municipal corporations created to conduct selected fire protection functions at a regional level. Regional fire protection services authorities are formed by transferring the powers, duties, and functions of two or more adjacent fire protection jurisdictions to a RFA in accordance with a RFA plan approved by voters.

Definitions.

Regional fire protection service authority means a municipal corporation, an independent taxing authority, and a taxing district, whose boundaries are coextensive with two or more adjacent fire protection jurisdictions and that has been created by a vote of the people to implement a regional fire protection service authority plan.

Reasonable proximity means geographical areas near enough to each other so that governance, management, and services can be delivered effectively.

Summary:

Annexation to a Fire Protection District.

Under the petition method of annexation for a district, property located within a reasonable proximity to (rather than adjacent to) a fire district may be annexed by the district.

Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities.

A fire protection jurisdiction that is located within a reasonable proximity to the boundary of a RFA (rather than adjacent to a RFA) is eligible for annexation by the authority. In addition, two or more fire protection jurisdictions located within reasonable proximity to each other (rather than adjacent to each other) may form a RFA.

Definitions.

A regional fire protection service authority is redefined to mean a municipal corporation, an independent taxing authority, and a taxing district, whose boundaries are coextensive with two or more fire protection jurisdictions located within reasonable proximity (rather than whose boundaries are coextensive with two or more adjacent districts) and that has been created by a vote of the people to implement a regional fire protection service authority plan.

Votes on Final Passage:

House

90

8

Senate

48

1

Effective:

June 7, 2018