Every Friday during legislative session a report is posted on this page which provides an update on bills of interest to WFCA members. The following are links to other web pages related to the Legislature:
The WFCA Board has given approval to hold a 2010 Legislative Roundtable to discuss legislative issues and priorities of the membership. This Roundtable differs from the annual Legislative Day, which is a joint event sponsored by the Washington Fire Commissioners Association and the Washington Fire Chiefs. During Legislative Day (held during session in Olympia), members are briefed on current session issues and are encouraged to discuss these issues with their legislators. The 2010 Legislative Day is scheduled for January 20.
In contrast, the Legislative Roundtable will be modeled after the popular Chelan Legislative Workshop where members gathered to discuss issues, provide input and establish priorities through the "dot exercise". After two years in Chelan, it became evident that more time and meeting space was needed for members to give their input and meet in small workgroups to fully discuss issues.
The 2010 Legislative Roundtable will be held Saturday, May 1, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the Yakima Convention Center. Event and registration information will be available in Winter 2010.
The following information resulted from the Legislative Workshop held in Chelan on May 30, 2009.
2009 Legislative Priority "Dot" Exercise Results
The 2009 legislative session adjourned on Sunday, April 26. The Legislature passed the 2009-2011 operating budget, capital budget and the transportation budget; however, a one or two day special session will have to be called to "tie up some loose ends" of implementation bills necessary for the overall operating budget.
The following is the final legislative report. Overall, I am very pleased with our accomplishments in relation to a historic $9.3 billion budget deficit faced by the state of Washington. Fire district property tax statutes remain intact; however, due to foreclosures and declining property values, fire districts in some counties may be impacted because of proration. I suggest that you work very closely with your county officials as you analyze and draft your 2010 budgets. Be prepared for downward spikes in your assessed valuation.
In conclusion, I want to thank all of you for your emails, letters and telephone calls in support of our positions. I look forward to seeing all of you at Chelan on Saturday, May 30 to redefine and provide input to your WFCA Legislative Committee and Board of Directors.
HB 1196: A local government associations' coalition proposal, which included the WFCA, to increase the small works roster dollar limit from the current $200,000 to $300,000 for construction, building, renovation, repair or improvement of real property. This legislation provides greater flexibility for medium-sized public works projects without having to move forward with a formal sealed bid process. HB 1196 has been signed by the Governor and has an effective date of July 26, 2009.
ESHB 1847: WFCA proposal to increase fire district bid limits for public works projects from the current $2,500 to $20,000. This comprehensive local government legislation was signed by the Governor on Saturday, April 25 and the effective date is July 26, 2009.
HB 1080: Unfortunately, HB 1080 died on the Senate Second Reading Calendar. The builders were strongly opposed to expansion of impact fees to fire districts. We will continue to advocate for impact fees and HB 1080 will be alive in the 2010 legislative session.
SSB 5808: Provides for notification of fire district employees in changes of employment status as a direct consequence to a city annexation of unincorporated areas. SB 5808 provides for a new annexation process through interlocal agreements with the city and county and states that fire districts shall be involved in negotiations. SB 5808 also provides for a 45-day referendum process for the citizens in the proposed annexation area through the interlocal agreement to force a vote with a 10% petition. Also, prior to this new process moving forward, the fire district has 45 days to either accept or decline negotiations. If a fire district declines, this process will cease and cannot move forward.
Even though this does not fully address the issue of the impact of annexations on fire districts, SSB 5808 provides employee job protection, a "level" playing field for interlocal agreement negotiations, and an "opt out" provision which would cancel the new interlocal process. The bill also provides a voter referendum process and requires the city by request of the fire district to issue a report regarding the likely effects of the annexation on the residents both inside and outside the area in which the annexation is occurring. SSB 5808 has been signed by the Governor and has an effective date of July 26, 2009.
2ESHB 1018: Legislation proposed by the Washington Association of County Officials which provides for the following:
2ESHB 1018 has been delivered to the Governor. WFCA supports the county officials in their support of this legislation.
ESSB 5011: Bill will prohibit the sale of "novelty" lighters, those shaped like cartoon characters, toys, musical instruments and other items that are attractive to children. NOTE: This legislation does not ban disposable cigarette lighters that do not meet the definition of novelty lighter. WFCA supports. Senate concurred with House amendments. ESSB 5011 has been signed by the Governor and is effective on July 26, 2009.
The Legislature was successful in passage of a 2009-2011 regular operating budget, capital budget and the transportation budget. The WFCA monitored several issues that were part of the state operating budget. They were as follows:
Bid Law Threshold Changes Take Effect July 26, 2009.
Updated Information Regarding Volunteer Compensation.
Commissioner Compensation Information.
