WA Fire Commissioners Association

February 29, 2008

I am sad to report that ESHB 2938, which was scheduled for public hearing on Tuesday, February 26, was pulled from the list and now appears dead for this session. We are attempting to find a vehicle to "hang" our language on and to keep this issue alive during this legislative session. I am disappointed that the Association of Washington Cities, various city mayors and some individuals in the fire service do not want to even discuss the impacts that their annexations have on citizens residing in fire districts. We will be meeting in the near future to outline a plan to present to the WFCA Legislative Committee for interim meetings with legislative leadership to discuss this issue.

On a more positive note, this is the furthest any annexation agreement bill has reached in the legislative process and provides hope that sometime in the near future the legislature will assure that the playing field is leveled to provide orderly, fair and responsible annexations that will not financially cripple fire districts and in turn force future lay-offs of firefighters.

NOTE: Updates from last week are shown in bold type. For additional information on bills, you may access the state legislative homepage at www.leg.wa.gov or call Roger Ferris at 1.800.491.9322.

Annexation / Growth Management

HB 2483/SB 6283: A bill that will lower the direct annexation petition method for code cities from 75% to 60% of the assessed valuation of the property proposed for annexation. Passed House. WFCA opposes. Passed Senate Government Operations Committee. Rules.

Tax / Revenue Proposals

HB 2554/SSB 6641: This is the technical correction bill requested by the Department of Revenue clarifying that multi-year lid lift ballot propositions must clearly indicate that the taxing districts' levy base will be permanently increased. If the ballot proposition does not indicate that the final levy will be used to compute subsequent year levies, then the levy base increase is presumed to be temporary. This bill applies to multi-year lid lifts approved on or after the effective date of the act. A Senate floor amendment provided that one year lid lifts must state that the taxing districts' levy rate will be used for the purpose of computing future levies WFCA does not oppose. Rules.

Health Care Legislation

SB 6223: This is the "glucagon" bill which the association became involved with after meeting with the WFCA Legislative Committee last month. The original bill mandated that all state licensed ambulances and aid vehicles must have glucagon emergency kits available and all EMTs may administer glucagon to a patient. The House Health Care and Wellness Committee amended the bill to direct the Emergency Services and Trauma Care Steering Committee to make recommendations regarding whether or not EMTs should be authorized to carry and administer glucagon kits. The steering committee must make its recommendation to the Governor and legislature by December 15, 2008. SSB 6223 passed Health Care and Wellness Committee and has been referred to Appropriations Committee. WFCA does not oppose amended study provisions. WFCA did testify with concerns on original bill.

Governance Legislation

E2SSB 5271: A bill that would eliminate the March and May special elections. A compromise has been reached and 2SSB 5271. Passed the Senate. Has been referred to State Government and Tribal Affairs Committee. Appears dead.

SB 5432: This is a 2007 WFCA proposal which provides authority for fire district boards of commissioners to expand from five to seven members with voter approval. House Local Government Committee. WFCA supports. We are disappointed that SB 5432 did not come up for a vote in committee. Appears dead.

ESSB 6573: This is a WSCFF priority bill to increase funding for public safety and would create a local public safety enhancement account (LPSEA). This account would be funded with any increase over 1% in general state revenues (the lesser of one-third or $50 million). One half of the $50 million would be transferred to a benefit improvement account to fund the employer, employee and state costs of financing benefit improvements by the LEOFF 2 Retirement Board. The State Treasurer will be responsible for distribution of the remaining funds in the LPSEA to local governments. Each jurisdiction's allocation will be based on proportionate share of the LEOFF 2 members it employs. WFCA supports as written. The Senate striker amendments provide for incremental increases in funding through the year 2015 with $25 million being implemented in 2015 biennium. The cost impact has been reduced. Passed Senate. Referred to House Appropriations Committee. No hearing scheduled as of February 29.

Other Legislation

HB 2110: This bill will allow fire protection districts to use impact fees related to new development for capital improvements. Language is deleted prohibiting fire districts from being eligible for impact fees in urban growth areas. HB 2110 passed Senate Governmental Operations and Elections Committee. WFCA supports. Rules.

2SSB 5642: This is the safe cigarette legislation developed and introduced by the Washington Fire Chiefs last year. The WFCA supports. Passed House Commerce and Labor Committee. Bill was referred to House Committee on Appropriations' Subcommittee on General Government and audit review and is scheduled for executive action at 1:30 p.m. today.