SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6403



As of January 26, 2006

Title: An act relating to forest fire protection assessments.

Brief Description: Concerning forest fire protection assessments.

Sponsors: Senators Doumit, Jacobsen, Regala and Rockefeller.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 1/26/06.


SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Staff: Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background: Houses and other structures are being built in areas where there is no fire protection from a fire district. The Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with fire districts fights forest and other public land fires but the Department is not required to fight structure fires.

Summary of Bill: In addition to the present per parcel assessment, the Department of Natural Resources must impose an annual fee based on the average fire levy of the county in which the structure lies. The Department will split the income with the local districts on a 50-50 basis. All funds will be used for forest fires, and there is no obligation to protect structures.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 16, 2006

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.