SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2440
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. |
As of February 16, 2012
Title: An act relating to authorizing the department of natural resources to provide wildfire protection services for public lands managed by state agencies.
Brief Description: Authorizing the department of natural resources to provide wildfire protection services for public lands managed by state agencies.
Sponsors: Representatives Wilcox, Blake, Chandler, Van De Wege, Warnick, McCune, Johnson, Stanford, Hurst, Hinkle and Moscoso; by request of Commissioner of Public Lands.
Brief History: Passed House: 1/30/12, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Energy, Natural Resources & Marine Waters: 2/15/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, NATURAL RESOURCES & MARINE WATERS |
Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)
Background: The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is required to have direct charge of and supervision over all matters pertaining to the forest fire service of the state. Under this authority, DNR generally provides fire protection services to state and non-federal owners of forest lands under this authority. The term forest land means unimproved lands with enough trees or flammable material to constitute a fire menace, as determined by DNR.
DNR has broad authority to cooperate with local governments, other states, the federal government, or Canada regarding forest firefighting whenever DNR deems cooperation is in the best interest of the state. Specifically, DNR has the authority to enter into agreements with a local or state government or the federal government to provide fire-related services, which may provide for an exchange of services or services in exchange for payment or other compensation.
Summary of Bill: DNR may provide fire-related services on nonforested public lands managed either by DNR or other state agencies. These services can include fire detection, prevention, presuppression, or fire suppression. DNR may only provide fire services on nonforested public lands where these actions will not detract from its mandatory fire-related duties .
If the fire services are being provided on land managed by an agency other than DNR, a cooperative agreement must be in place that provides full reimbursement to DNR for its service.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is at the request of the Commissioner of Public Lands to allow DNR to provide fire protection on a reimbursable basis on nonforested state lands. DNR and the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) believe that some of DNR's fire protection activities on certain DFW land could be inconsistent with current law. Because the agencies feel it is efficient to have DNR provide these fire services, the agencies would like to align the law to current practice.
OTHER: Oroville High School students have been following this bill through TVW's Classroom Connect program.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Randy Acker, DNR.
OTHER: Carolyn Logne, Oroville High School TVW Classroom Connect.