Brief Description: Authorizing members of legislative bodies to serve as volunteer ambulance personnel.

Sponsors: Senators Hargrove and Shin.

Hearing Date: 3/28/05

Staff: Kathryn Leathers (786-7114).

Background:

The legislative body of a city operating under the Optional Municipal Code may authorize, by resolution adopted by a two-thirds vote of the full legislative body, any of its members to serve as volunteer fire fighters or reserve law enforcement officers, or both. In addition to serving as volunteer fire fighters and reserve law enforcement officers, the legislative body of a city operating under the Cities and Towns Code may also authorize its members to serve as volunteer ambulance personnel.

Legislative members who are authorized to serve in such capacities are entitled to receive the same compensation, insurance, and any other benefit applicable to non-member volunteers and reservists.

Summary of Bill:

This bill expands the authorization of charter and non-charter code cities to allow its legislative members to serve as volunteer ambulance personnel. The legislative body of such a city may now authorize its members to serve as volunteer ambulance personnel, volunteer fire fighters, reserve law enforcement officers, or all three.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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