| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Local Government Committee | |
SB 5432
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Allowing fire protection districts to have additional commissioners.
Sponsors: Senators Swecker, Roach, Hatfield, Zarelli, Kline, Brandland, Benton and Rasmussen.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/22/08
Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).
Background:
Fire Protection Districts
A fire protection district is a type of special purpose district, typically located in an
unincorporated area, with responsibility to provide fire prevention and suppression services, and
emergency medical response. A fire protection district has the powers and authorities of a
municipal corporation, including taxation, eminent domain, and the authority to enter contracts.
Increasing the Number of Fire Protection District Commissioners
Fire protection districts are managed by a board initially composed of three commissioners
elected at large. The three commissioners must be registered voters residing in the district. If
the three member board determines by resolution that it is in the best interest of the district to
increase the number of commissioners from three to five, or if the board is presented with a
petition signed by 10 percent of the registered voters residing within the district, the board shall
submit a resolution to the legislative authority of the pertinent county or counties requesting that
an election be held. Upon receipt of the resolution, the county legislative authority must call a
special election so as to allow the voters to consider a ballot proposition regarding the proposed
increase in the number of fire protection commissioners.
Creation of Fire Protection Commissioner Districts
Absent a decision by the voters to elect commissioners by district, commissioners are elected on
an at-large basis, with each representing the entire district. However, a board of fire
commissioners may adopt a resolution by unanimous vote that will result in a ballot proposition
being submitted to the voters authorizing the creation of commissioner districts. If a simple
majority of voters approves the ballot proposition, three commissioner districts must be created
for a fire protection district with three commissioners, and five commissioner districts must be
created for a fire protection district with five commissioners.
Summary of Bill:
The governing board of a fire district may be increased from three to either five or seven
commissioners if a majority of the voters in the district approve a ballot proposition authorizing
the increase in board membership.
If the voters in a fire protection district with seven commissioners approve the creation of
commissioner districts, then seven commissioner districts must be created.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.