HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2103

BYRepresentatives Fraser, Belcher, R. Fisher, Ballard, McLean, Rasmussen, Dorn, Haugen and Winsley

Revising provisions for fire fighters.

House Committe on State Government

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (9)

      Signed by Representatives R. Fisher, Chair; Anderson, Vice Chair; McLean, Ranking Republican Member; Hankins, R. King, Morris, Rector, Sayan and Silver.

House Staff:Barbara McLain (786-7135)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 15, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Portions of the Volunteer Firemen's Relief and Pensions Act (Chapter 41.24 RCW) date from the 1940's.  Throughout the act, references are made to "fireman" and "firemen."

In 1983, the Legislature passed a law requiring that all statutes enacted, adopted, or amended be written in gender-neutral terms unless a specification of gender is intended.

SUMMARY:

All references to "fireman" and "firemen" are changed to "firefighter" and "firefighters" throughout the Volunteer Firemen's Relief and Pensions Act.  Numerous other gender-specific references are made gender-neutral.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Representative Karen Fraser, prime sponsor.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The bill updates the law to reflect contemporary reality.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.