Brief Description: Allowing volunteer fire fighter personnel to hold elective or appointed office.

Sponsors: Representatives Curtis, Takko, Orcutt, McDonald, Grant, Hinkle, Clements, Moeller, Chandler, Wallace, Tom, Kretz, Nixon, Blake, Kessler, Rodne, Haigh, B. Sullivan and Morrell.

Hearing Date: 1/18/06

Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).

Background:

Any city or town may adopt a resolution by a two-thirds vote of its full legislative body authorizing any of the members of that body to serve as volunteer fire fighters, volunteer ambulance personnel, or reserve law enforcement officers, and to receive the same compensation, insurance, and other benefits that other such volunteers receive.

Summary of Bill:

Authorizes a volunteer fire fighter working for a city, town, or fire protection district to serve as an elected public official or hold an appointed public office. This authorization does not apply to a fire chief.

"Volunteer" is defined to mean any member of a fire department who undertakes firefighting duties without receiving compensation or consideration for such duties. "Compensation" and "consideration" do not include any benefits the volunteer may accrue under current law regarding pension rights and other relief available to volunteer fire fighters.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.