FINAL BILL REPORT
HB 2213
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 14 L 12
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Modifying certain definitions for the purpose of firefighting services for unprotected lands.
Sponsors: Representatives Chandler, Van De Wege and Johnson.
House Committee on Local Government
Senate Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections
Background:
Among other obligations, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has the duty and authority to prevent, control, and suppress state forest fires. Numerous statutorily defined terms are applicable in the provision of firefighting services of the DNR. Examples include:
"fire protection service agency" or "agency" means any local, state, or federal governmental entity responsible for the provision of firefighting services;
"fire protection jurisdiction" means an area or property located within a fire protection district, a regional fire protection service authority, a city, a town, a port district, certain lands protected by the DNR, or on federal lands;
"improved property" means property upon which a structure is located, but does not include roads, bridges, land devoted primarily to growing and harvesting timber, or land devoted primarily to the production of livestock or agricultural commodities for commercial purposes; and
"unprotected land" means improved property located outside of a fire protection jurisdiction.
Fire protection agencies are not obligated to provide firefighting services to unprotected land. If firefighting services are provided to unprotected land and the property owners have not formed or annexed into a fire protection jurisdiction or contracted with a fire protection agency for firefighting services, the property owners must reimburse the agency initiating firefighting services on unprotected land for actual incurred costs that are proportionate to the fire itself.
The State Building Code exists to promote the safety and welfare of occupants and users of buildings and structures in Washington. It provides definitions of a number of structures, including agricultural structures.
Summary:
The definition of "improved property" in regards to forest protection is modified to specify that the definition includes agricultural structures, as defined in the State Building Code, and bridges.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 96 | 0 | |
Senate | 48 | 0 |
Effective: | June 7, 2012 |