Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee |
HB 2924
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: Using global positioning system technology to protect the safety of wildland firefighters.
Sponsors: Representatives Dent, Griffey, McCabe, Blake, Johnson, Haler, Springer and Ormsby.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/3/16
Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).
Background:
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the agency of the state with the direct charge and responsibility over all matters pertaining to forest fire services in the state. The DNR appoints trained personnel in order to carry out the DNR's duties and is obligated to employ sufficient numbers of personnel to extinguish or prevent the spreading of any fire that may be in danger of damaging or destroying any timber or other property of the DNR.
Also, when in the state's best interest and for the purposes of forest firefighting and patrol, the DNR may cooperate with any agency of another state, the United States or a federal agency, and any county, town, corporation, person, or native American tribe. Further, the DNR may contract and enter agreements with private corporations for the protection and development of the forest lands within the state.
Summary of Bill:
The DNR is authorized, but not mandated, to require all fire suppression equipment and personnel in its employ or direction to be equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) electronic monitoring device. The purpose of equipping personnel or equipment with a GPS device is to protect the safety of wildlife firefighters.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.