HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6582

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.

As Reported by House Committee On:

Local Government

Title: An act relating to the number of fire protection district commissioners.

Brief Description: Concerning the number of fire protection district commissioners.

Sponsors: Senators Hobbs, Stanford, Muzzall, Salomon, McCoy, Wagoner and Liias.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Local Government: 2/25/20, 2/28/20 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Allows a fire protection district board of commissioners with five members to increase to seven members if approved by a majority of voters.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Pollet, Chair; Duerr, Vice Chair; Kraft, Ranking Minority Member; Griffey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Goehner and Senn.

Staff: Elizabeth Allison (786-7129).

Background:

Fire protection districts are established for the provision of fire prevention services, fire suppression services, emergency medical services, and for the protection of life and property. Fire protection districts are formed through a petition from the residents of a proposed district, a public hearing, and three-fifths voter approval.

The affairs of the district are managed by a board of elected fire commissioners initially composed of three commissioners. Three-member boards of commissioners may be increased from three to five or seven commissioners through a resolution or petition signed by 10 percent of voters which is submitted to the county legislative authority. After the resolution is submitted, the county legislative authority must call a special election proposing an increase from three members to five or seven members. A majority of voters must approve the increase.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Summary of Bill:

A fire protection district board of commissioners with five members may increase from five to seven members if approved by a majority of voters.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The bill is correcting a clerical error. Nothing in the RCW allows fire district commissioners to go from five to seven. Fire District 7 merged with Monroe Fire District and Lake Stevens Fire District, and with over 300 employees in the district, Fire District 7 would like to increase the number of commissioners from five to seven. Having additional commissioners will enable the board to be in better contact with the public and allow citizens to decide to have better representation.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Jeff Schaub and Kevin O'Brien, Snohomish County Fire District 7.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.