| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee | |
HB 1125
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: Modifying forest fire protection assessments.
Sponsors: Representatives B. Sullivan, Kagi, McCoy, Eickmeyer, Lantz, Williams and Dickerson.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/18/07
Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).
Background:
Forest Fire Protection Assessments
The costs of forest fire protection are intended to be equitably shared between forest landowners
and the state [RCW 76.04.167]. Owners of forest land are under an obligation to provide forest
fire protection on their land to a level that provides adequate protection against the spread of fire
from or across their land [RCW 76.04.600]. However, if a landowner's property is located on
forest land not included within the boundaries of a rural or municipal fire district, and the
landowner fails to provide adequate protection against the spread of forest fire, then the
landowner must pay to the Department of Natural Resources (Department) a forest fire protection
assessment (assessment) [RCW 76.04.165 & 610].
Landowners paying the assessment are billed both at a flat rate and at an additional rate
according to the size of the forest land they own. All landowners must pay a flat rate assessment
fee of $14.50. This flat rate fee is paid by all forest land owners regardless of ownership size.
Landowners who own more than 50 acres of forest land must pay the flat rate fee plus an
additional 25 cents on each acre over the initial 50 acres [RCW 76.04.610].
Forest Fire Advisory Board
The Forest Fire Advisory Board (Advisory Board) consists of seven members representing public
and private forest landowners and other interested parties [RCW 76.04.145]. The members of
the Advisory Board are appointed by the Commissioner of Public Lands and serve at the
Commissioner's pleasure. The Advisory Board's authority is limited to an advisory capacity only.
The Advisory Board is charged with reviewing the forest fire prevention activities of the
Department and monitoring the Department's prevention assessments and expenditures.
Summary of Bill:
The forest fire protection assessment charge for forest landowners is increased. The flat fee
assessment paid for the first 50 acres of forest land owned is increased from $14.50 to $17.50.
The additional per acre assessment that applies to each acre owned over 50 acres is increased
from 25 cents per acre to 27 cents per acre.
In addition, the Department may increase all assessments up to the cumulative amount of the
implicit price deflator. If the Department does increase assessments, it must do so with the
advice of the Advisory Board.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/10/07.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.