Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government Committee |
HB 1669
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: Expanding the allowable powers of fire protection districts.
Sponsors: Representatives Eslick, Sutherland, Griffey, Lovick, Stanford and Mead.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/8/19
Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).
Background:
A fire protection district (district) is a type of special purpose district created to provide fire prevention, fire suppression, and emergency medical services within a district's boundaries, which can include incorporated and unincorporated areas.
Districts are authorized to:
lease, operate, and provide fire and emergency medical apparatus and all other necessary facilities and equipment for the prevention and suppression of fires, the providing of emergency medical services, and the protection of life and property;
lease, own, maintain, and operate real property for housing, repairing, and maintaining their apparatus, facilities, machinery, and equipment;
contract with other governmental or private entities to consolidate, provide, or cooperate for fire prevention protection, fire suppression, investigation, and emergency medical purposes;
encourage uniformity and coordination of fire protection district operations;
enter into contracts for life insurance for fire district personnel;
perform building and property inspections that the district deems necessary to provide fire prevention services and pre-fire planning within the district; and
determine the origin and cause of fires occurring within the district.
Generally, districts serve residents outside of cities or towns, except when cities and towns have been annexed into a district or when the district continues to provide service to a newly incorporated area. The districts are governed by an elected board of commissioners consisting of either three or five members.
Summary of Bill:
The powers of fire protection districts are expanded.
In addition to its current allowable powers, a district is authorized to: (1) Enter into interlocal agreements with local jurisdictions to maintain and repair vehicles owned and used exclusively by a county, city, town, school district, or other political subdivision of Washington; and (2) directly provide and enter into an interlocal agreement with any local government entity to provide, or contract with any local government entity to provide, ordinary maintenance services and any administrative services that the district performs in support of its powers and purpose. A district may also provide maintenance and repair of school buses.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.