Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee
HB 2104
Brief Description: Concerning aviation assurance funding in response to wildland fires.
Sponsors: Representatives Dent, Springer, Ryu, Engell, Low, Simmons, Richards, Barnard, Keaton, Reed, Dye, Reeves, Shavers, McClintock, Thai and Graham.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Makes the aviation assurance funding program for local fire response permanent.
Hearing Date: 1/23/26
Staff: Lily Smith (786-7175).
Background:

Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1498, enacted in 2023, created a program to provide state aviation resources to local fire departments in limited circumstances (Aviation Assurance Funding Program).  This legislation expires July 1, 2027.

 

The Aviation Assurance Funding Program requires the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to use suppression funding, subject to funding availability, to assist local fire departments with aerial response during initial attacks meeting certain parameters.  Local fire departments must:

 

  • have entered into a response agreement with the DNR;
  • provide documentation of specific personnel training; and
  • make direct requests to the appropriate coordination center.

 

Aviation assets used in the initial attack must come from a list of private contractors approved by the DNR on certain agreements, based on the DNR's annual review of needs.

 

The DNR must provide information to the Legislature in an annual report regarding the program usage, lessons learned, and recommendations for future improvements.  The DNR must annually consult with the State Fire Defense Committee, fire service representatives, and the State Fire Marshal's Office to review the program performance and upcoming aviation needs.
Summary of Bill:

The expiration date of the legislation creating the aviation assurance funding program is repealed, making the program permanent.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 12, 2026.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.