Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Local Government Committee
SB 5338
Brief Description: Concerning fire protection districts and education.
Sponsors: Senators Wilson, L., Randall and Rivers.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Authorizes a fire protection district to provide training and expend resources to mitigate workplace injuries.
Hearing Date: 3/10/21
Staff: Elizabeth Allison (786-7129).
Background:

A fire protection district (district) is a special purpose district established to provide fire prevention, fire suppression, and emergency medical services, and for the protection of life and property within the district boundaries.
 
Districts are authorized to:

  • lease, operate, and provide fire and emergency medical apparatus and all other necessary facilities and equipment for the prevention and suppression of fires, the provision of emergency medical services, and the protection of life and property;
  • lease, own, maintain, and operate real property for housing, repairing, and maintaining their apparatus, facilities, machinery, and equipment;
  • contract with other governmental or private entities to consolidate, provide, or cooperate for fire prevention protection, fire suppression, investigation, and emergency medical purposes;
  • encourage uniformity and coordination of district operations;
  • enter into contracts for life insurance for fire district personnel;
  • perform building and property inspections the district deems necessary to provide fire prevention services and pre-fire planning within the district; and
  • determine the origin and cause of fires occurring within the district.

 

Summary of Bill:

A fire protection district may provide training, expend resources, and enter into an interlocal agreement to mitigate injuries and reduce the level of harm and occurrence of injuries when responding to calls.  The training may include worker or workplace safety, first aid, injury prevention, and reduction of industrial-related accidents. 

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.