Brief Description: Adding a ninth member to the state fire protection policy board.

Sponsors: By Representatives Lantz, Haigh and Simpson.

House Committee on State Government Operations & Accountability
Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections

Background:

In 1985, the Legislature created the State Fire Protection Policy Board (Board). The Board assumed the duties of the former Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Fire Services Training Division in the Commission for Vocational Education. In 1995, the Legislature transferred all the powers, duties, and functions of the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development pertaining to fire protection to the Washington State Patrol, including oversight over the Board.

The Board is responsible for developing a comprehensive state policy regarding fire protection services, including the adoption of a master fire training and education plan and the development of a master plan for constructing fire training facilities. The Board must also monitor fire protection in the state and develop objectives and priorities to improve fire protection.

The eight-member Board appointed by the Governor consists of the following:

• one representative of fire chiefs;
• one representative from the insurance industry;
• one representative of cities and towns;
• one representative of counties;
• one full-time, paid, career fire fighter;
• one volunteer fire fighter;
• one representative of fire commissioners; and
• one representative of fire control programs of the Department of Natural Resources.

Appointed members of the Board serve three-year terms and initial board members are appointed for the following terms of office:

• three members are appointed for one year;
• .   three members are appointed for two years; and
• four members are appointed for three years.

In 1995, three Board positions were eliminated and one position was added. State law permitted the Board members holding these positions to serve the remainder of their terms in office before the positions were eliminated.

The Washington State Association of Fire Marshals is a statewide fire prevention organization composed of seven divisions working on national codes, state codes, legislative issues, professional development, communications, fire marshals forum, and fire investigation.

Summary:

An additional member representing the State Association of Fire Marshals is added to the State Fire Protection Policy Board. The provision is removed that eliminated three board positions upon expiration of the terms of certain members holding office in 1995.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   96   0
Senate   48   0

Effective: July 24, 2005