SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6786

BYSenator Patrick

Authorizing city and town councilmembers to serve as reserve police officers.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 31, 1990

Majority Report:     Do pass.

     Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Patrick, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Rod McAulay (786-7754)

                February 13, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 12, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The legislative body of any city or town may, by unanimous vote, authorize any of its members to serve as volunteer firemen and to receive any compensation, insurance or other benefits available to such volunteers. 

It would be consistent to extend the scope of this authority to allow members to also serve as reserve law enforcement officers.  The term "firemen" should be updated to "firefighters".

SUMMARY:

The legislative body of any city or town may, by unanimous vote, authorize any of its members to serve as volunteer firefighters or reserve law enforcement officers.  Such member will receive the same compensation, insurance and other benefits received by other volunteer firefighters or reserve law enforcement officers employed by the city or town.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Senator Michael Patrick (for)