SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6244
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 January 31, 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: Senators Haugen, King and Eide; by request of Washington State Patrol.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 1/25/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Staff: Dianne Criswell (786-7433)
Background: The Fire Service Training Account is an account in the state treasury that consists of amounts received for fire service training, grants and bequests, 20 percent of fire insurance premium tax receipts, and any state general funds which are appropriated into the account. The account is subject to appropriation for the specific purposes of fire service training and the firefighter joint apprenticeship training program. For the 2009-11 and 2011-13 biennia, the Legislature may appropriate funds for school fire prevention activities and for predesign and repairs of the burn building.
Summary of Bill: Monies in the Fire Service Training Account may also be appropriated for the maintenance, operations, and capital projects of the state Fire Training Academy.
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.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Firefighter training is necessary throughout the state, including local districts. We must retain funds for training in rural areas, which should be considered a high priority. The Fire Service Training Account has been used for maintenance, but, over time, maintenance becomes a capital need. The Fire Training Academy is operating, in large part, out of older double-wide trailers. Stakeholders are in support of using the account for capital maintenance and improvements to the Academy. We should amend the bill so that revenues are maintained for training. This is a positive for the state and fire service responders. We need to ensure adequate training and resources. The Legislature might consider a ceiling for capital purposes. Small, rural districts need training. The North Bend facility is important to us. This might be the first time that volunteer firefighters experience an active fire. The facility takes a beating as part of those training exercises. Volunteer and career firefighters agree about the importance of the Fire Training Academy.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Haugen, prime sponsor; Captain Jason Berry, WA State Patrol; Mike Brown, WA Fire Chiefs; T. J. Nedrow, WA State Fire Fighters Assn.; Michael Noyes, Skagit Fire District 11; Ryan Spiller, WA Fire Commissioners Assn.