SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6003

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.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Governmental Operations, February 4, 2014

Title: An act relating to the scope of state fire service mobilization and ensuring compliance with existing state and federal disaster response policies.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6003 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Benton, Vice Chair; Hasegawa, Ranking Member; Conway, Dansel and McCoy.

Background: The state Fire Service Resource Mobilization Plan (mobilization plan) can be implemented to provide resources from around the state when a wildland fire exceeds firefighting capacity of local jurisdictions. Nonhost fire protection authorities are eligible for reimbursement of expenses. It has been suggested that clear authority is necessary to authorize mobilization in response to other emergencies, including earthquakes, floods, and the spread of contagious disease.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): Mobilization plan provisions are revised to authorize mobilization of risk resources regularly provided by fire departments, fire districts, and regional fire protection authorities, including but not limited to wildland fires, earthquakes, floods, and contagious diseases. Fire department resources cannot be mobilized to assist law enforcement with police activities during a civil protest or demonstration. However, fire departments, fire districts, and regional fire protection authorities are not restricted from providing medical care or aid and firefighting when mobilized for any purpose. Nonhost fire protection authorities are eligible for reimbursement of expenses if a mobilization meets requirements identified in the mobilization plan.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): Language is added to specify that fire department resources cannot be mobilized to assist law enforcement with police activities during a civil protest or demonstration. However, fire departments, fire districts, and regional fire protection authorities are not restricted from providing medical care or aid and firefighting when mobilized for any purpose.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This measure provides clear authority for fire protection authorities to mobilize in response to disasters other than fires. Firefighters are trained to do more than fight fires.