Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Local Government Committee

SSB 6058

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.

Brief Description: Concerning fire district health clinic services.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Senators Randall, Saldaña, Wilson, C., Hunt, Kuderer, Nguyen and Van De Wege).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Allows a fire district located in Pierce County and surrounded by Case Inlet, Drayton Passage, Pitt Passage, and Carr Inlet to establish or participate in the provision of health clinic services.

Hearing Date: 2/26/20

Staff: Kellen Wright (786-7134).

Background:

A fire protection district is a type of special purpose district created to provide fire prevention, fire suppression, and emergency medical services within a district's boundaries. 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.

A district has the powers and authorities of a municipal corporation and is generally managed by a board of commissioners. Districts finance their activities and facilities by imposing regular property taxes, excess voter-approved property tax levies, and benefit charges.

In addition to providing fire prevention services, fire suppression services, emergency medical services, and services for protecting life and property, the following two fire protection districts are also authorized to establish and participate in providing health clinic services: Whatcom County Fire District #5, located in Point Roberts, and South Kitsap Fire and Rescue, located in Port Orchard.

Summary of Bill:

A fire district located in Pierce County and surrounded by Case Inlet, Drayton Passage, Pitt Passage, and Carr Inlet may establish or participate in the provision of health clinic services.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.