SB 5093-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Revises the membership of the Fire Protection Policy Board.

     Transfers all powers, duties, and functions of the department of community development or the department of community, trade, and economic development pertaining to fire protection to the Washington state patrol.

     Provides for the establishment of an information and reporting system to assist state and local officers in conducting fire investigations and in undertaking prosecution of individuals suspected of arson activities.

     Revises provisions for the training of fire fighters.

     Requires studies of the efficiency of the delivery of fire protection services.

     Repeals RCW 48.48.120.

VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5093-S

                   May 16, 1995

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval as to sections 11 and 12, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5093 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to fire protection;"

     Section 11 of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5093 establishes the Chief of the State Patrol as responsible for declaring fire mobilizations under the Washington Fire Mobilization Plan (plan).  As stated in the plan, this action is the responsibility of the state emergency management program.

     Because the emergency management program has responsibility for compensating local jurisdictions under the plan and because the existing policy regarding the mobilization decision was developed after extensive discussion with representatives of affected fire and emergency management organizations, I believe that the state emergency management program should maintain control of the decision to mobilize fire resources.  I expect that the emergency management program and the fire services program will continue to work together, following a mobilization decision, to ensure that resources are used in an effective and coordinated manner.  Section 12 references the Chief of the State Patrol exercising mobilization authority and is, therefore, properly vetoed as a result of my action on section 11.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed sections 11 and 12 of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5093.

     With the exception of sections 11 and 12, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5093 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor