SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    HB 1193

             AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS,

                               FEBRUARY 19, 1992

Brief Description:  Modifying compensation conditions for fire commissioners who serve as volunteer fire fighters.

SPONSORS:Representatives Zellinsky, Franklin, Nealey, Haugen, Bray, Wynne, Cooper, Rayburn, Winsley, R. Meyers and Scott.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Roach, Vice Chairman; Madsen, and Sutherland.

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

Hearing Dates:March 28, 1991; February 19, 1992

BACKGROUND:

The board of commissioners of a fire protection district can authorize any of its members to serve the district as a volunteer fire fighter if the resolution authorizing this service is approved by a unanimous vote.  Such a commissioner serves as a volunteer fire fighter without receiving compensation for being a volunteer fire fighter.

SUMMARY:

The resolution that a board of commissioners of a fire protection district adopts authorizing one of its members to serve as a volunteer fire fighter need only be approved by a simple majority vote, instead of a unanimous vote.

The prohibition on a commissioner who serves as a volunteer fire fighter from receiving compensation for the volunteer work does not include reimbursement for expenses.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:  None

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

The vote should remain unanimous.  The commissioners should all agree, otherwise it sets a poor example for the district.

TESTIFIED:  Keith Miles, retired volunteer fireman (con)