Every Friday during legislative session, a report is posted on this page (see below) 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's NUMBER ONE PRIORITY, Substitute Senate Bill 5381, which provides a simple majority vote for renewal of an emergency medical service regular tax levy, has been delivered to Governor Gregoire's office for signature. This is a huge victory for fire districts, fire authorities and fire departments throughout the state of Washington.
This was a very successful session for the WFCA as we led the way in passage of numerous pieces of legislation that will ensure proper funding of firefighter training and provide revenue for capital improvements at the North Bend training academy.
Also, it appears our efforts were successful in defeating the establishment and collection of EMS certification fees (HB 2141). Thank you to all who sent emails to legislators back in December after our Legislative Alert; it helped us when we testified on the bill.
Thank you to all the fire service groups for their hard work on HB 2747 and HB 2141. We expect an announcement any time from Governor Gregoire regarding the special session and are prepared to monitor the supplemental budget during that session.
Updates from the last report are shown in bold type. You may track all bills by logging onto www.leg.wa.gov. If you have any questions, please contact Roger Ferris at 1.800.491.9322 or email rogerf@wfca.wa.gov.
SSB 5381/HB 2474 (EMS Simple Majority): This is a WFCA legislative proposal and our NUMBER ONE PRIORITY, which would reduce the approval for renewal of a current EMS regular property tax levy from 60% to 50% simple majority. This bill would eliminate the need for the 40% validation requirement on a renewal. Delivered to the Governor for signature.
ESHB 1627 (Boundary Review Boards): This legislation will provide the authority for Boundary Review Boards to modify a proposal of annexation and may adjust boundaries by up to 100%. Senate Government Operations, Tribal Relations and Elections Committee. Passed Senate 25-24. Must return to House for concurrence. WFCA will request that House does not concur with Senate amendment. WFCA opposes ESHB 1627 as passed by the Senate. House receded from its amendments and passed Senate amendment on a 56-42 vote. We have received a commitment from the prime sponsor to address our concerns in the interim.
2SSB 5355 (Special Meeting Postings): This legislation provides amendments to posting requirements for special meetings and provides provisions for Board members to "waive notice" by fax and email. Monitor. Senate concurred with House amendments. Will be delivered to the Governor.
SB 6563/HB 2350 (Merging LEOFF 1 Retirement Funds into LEOFF 2): This is legislation supported by the Washington State Council of Firefighters which would merge LEOFF 1 retirement funds into LEOFF 2. All LEOFF 1 benefits would be guaranteed not to be reduced as well as LEOFF 2. Also, HB 2350 will provide for the suspension of state contributions to LEOFF 2 saving the state as much as $80 million for the 2011-2013 biennium. There would be no reduction in employer or member rates. The current LEOFF Board would have authority to adopt rates for both LEOFF 1 and LEOFF 2 and have greater authority over the Board's budget. Merger would commingle the liabilities of both plans so any LEOFF 1 costs would become the shared responsibility of all LEOFF members. House Ways and Means Committee. WFCA has concerns with commingling funds of statutorily created pension systems. Senate Ways & Means Committee. This bill is still in play as part of budget negotiations between the Senate and House.
SB 5365 (Volunteer Buy Back): Legislation that would authorize the purchase/buy back for years of service as a volunteer firefighter or reserve police officer. The purchase shall be made by the individual, but does voluntarily allow the district to contribute on behalf of the volunteer firefighter. WFCA supports. Delivered to the Governor for signature.
HB 2141 (Establishing EMS Certification Fees): This is Department of Health agency request legislation to require the department to establish fees for certification and recertification of EMS personnel. The proposed fees would be applied to the following:
HB 2141 is in House Ways and Means Committee. WFCA strongly opposes. Appears dead. Will be monitored for supplemental budget.
HB 2440 (Authorizing DNR to Provide Wildfire Protection Services): This bill will authorize the Department of Natural Resources to provide wildfire protection services for public lands managed by state agencies. WFCA supports. Delivered to the Governor for signature.
ESHB 2747 (086 Fund Uses): This legislation will allow the fire service training account (086 fund) to include the use of funds for maintenance, operations and capital projects of the state Fire Training Academy. Currently, the use is limited to Firefighter I training of volunteers and paid personnel. ESHB 2747 passed House with floor amendment to ensure funding of volunteer and career training prior to expenditure for capital improvements. Delivered to the Governor for signature.
SSB 5766 (Seven-Member Boards): This bill provides authority for a fire district with an annual budget of $10 million or more to increase the number of commissioners up to seven. WFCA supports. Senate concurred with House amendment. Will be delivered to the Governor.
The following information resulted from the Legislative Roundtable held in Yakima on May 1, 2010. This information will be considered by the WFCA Legislative Committee so that priorities for the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions can be established.
2010 Legislative Priority "Dot" Exercise Results
New Special Meeting Notice Requirements are Effective June 7.
Washington Fire Chiefs Annual Conference is Set for May 21-25.
Chelan Seminar is only days away!
IRS Mileage Reimbursement Rates for 2012.
Apply for Your Volunteer Firefighter License Plate.
IRS Guidance on Tax Treatment of Cell Phones.
Sample Fire Commissioner Uniform Policy.
Bid Law Matrix.
Volunteer Compensation Information.
Commissioner Compensation Information.
