Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
State Government & Tribal Relations Committee
HB 2091
Brief Description: Establishing a fallen firefighter memorial.
Sponsors: Representatives Bronoske, Griffey, Leavitt, Fitzgibbon, Chapman, Reed, Ormsby, Ramel, Callan, Rule, Timmons, Bergquist, Goodman, Rude, Fosse, Nance, Ryu, Schmidt, Stearns, Waters, Paul, Reeves and Kloba; by request of Department of Natural Resources.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Establishes a fallen firefighter memorial on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. 
  • Creates a non-appropriated account for the deposit of gifts, grants, and endowments to support the establishment and maintenance of the memorial.
Hearing Date: 1/24/24
Staff: Connor Schiff (786-7093).
Background:

The Capitol Campus in Olympia is home to many memorials for various events and groups of people.  These include the World War II Memorial, the Law Enforcement Memorial, the Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Memorial, the Medal of Honor Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial.
Summary of Bill:

A fallen firefighter memorial is established on the Capitol Campus.  Design and construction of the memorial must follow the major works requirements administered by the Department of Enterprise Services (DES).  The State Capitol Committee must work with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and statewide organizations representing fire fighters in reviewing the construction of the memorial.


The Fallen Firefighter Memorial Account (Account) is created in the custody of the State Treasurer to support the design, construction, permitting, and maintenance of the memorial.  The Commissioner of Public Lands and the DNR may solicit and accept funds for the establishment and maintenance of the memorial.  The Account is subject to allotment but not appropriation, and only the DNR may authorize expenditures.  The DNR may adopt rules governing the receipt and use of funds in the Account.  The DNR may partner with nonprofit groups or another state agency to ensure the memorial is utilized by the public and firefighter community. 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.