SENATE BILL REPORT
ESHB 2747
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 20, 2012
Title: An act relating to modifying the use of funds in the fire service training account.
Brief Description: Modifying the use of funds in the fire service training account.
Sponsors: House Committee on Capital Budget (originally sponsored by Representative Hansen; by request of Washington State Patrol).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/11/12, 92-0.
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 2/20/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Staff: Dianne Criswell (786-7433)
Background: The Washington State Patrol (WSP) has authority for: (1) patrolling Washington State highways; (2) providing security for the Governor; (3) the Washington State Crime Lab; (4) the Investigative Services Bureau; and (4) the State Fire Marshall.
The state Fire Marshall is responsible for providing fire and life safety inspections in licensed care occupancies including nursing homes, boarding homes, group homes, hospitals, and childcare centers. The state Fire Marshall also may conduct construction plan review on new school construction and when local jurisdictions request assistance. They license the fireworks and the fire sprinkler industries, and certify fire sprinkler industry workers and cigarette manufacturers; train Washington's fire service, in the field and at the Washington State Fire Training Academy (Academy); and coordinate fire service resources during large fires and disasters through the state's Fire Resource Mobilization Plan.
The Academy is located in North Bend, Washington. The Academy provides training for firefighters and public safety officials as well as private brigades and the maritime industry. The Academy also provides training for hazardous spill cleanup. The facility is comprised of an administrative building, three classrooms, dormitories, and support facilities.
The Fire Services Training Account (Account) consists of: (1) funds received by WSP for fire service training; (2) all grants and bequests accepted by WSP; (3) 20 percent of all monies received by the state on fire insurance premiums; and (4) state General Fund monies appropriated into the Account by the Legislature. The Account may only be used for fire service training and for contracting with the Washington State Firefighters Apprenticeship Trust for the operation of the Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Training Program. During the 2011-13 biennium, the Legislature amended the Account in the back of the capital budget allowing funds to be used for school fire prevention activities within WSP, and for predesign and repairs of the burn building at the Academy.
Summary of Bill: The use of the Account is expanded to include capital projects at the Academy, and school fire prevention activities within WSP, as long as it does not affect training for volunteer and career firefighters.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.