SB 5025 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

     Declares that the department of natural resources, when acting in its statutory capacity as a fire prevention and suppression agency, is carrying out duties owed to the public in general and not to any individual person or class of persons separate and apart from the public.

     Authorizes an agency of the United States to recover expenses incurred in fighting a fire caused by the actions of any person, firm, or corporation.

     Expands the responsibility and authority of the department in investigating the cause of forest fires.