WA Fire Commissioners Association

March 27, 2009

The March revenue forecast was released last week and projections are now at $9 billion for the state budget revenue shortfall. We expect the House and Senate to release their respective budgets next week. The official cutoff to pass bills out of policy committees is Monday, March 30 and the cutoff for fiscal committees is Monday, April 6. Updates that have occurred since last week's report 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.

WFCA PROPOSAL

ESHB 1847: WFCA proposal to increase fire district bid limits for public works projects from the current $2,500 to $40,000. The $2,500 limit has not been increased since 1984. HB 1230 has been amended onto SHB 1847 with a $20,000 limit. Passed Sen. Government Operations Cmte. Rules.

ANNEXATION/GROWTH MANAGEMENT

SHB 1457: This legislation will provide the ability for the Boundary Review Board to modify a proposal of annexation and may adjust boundaries by up to 100%. Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee. WFCA opposes as written. Appears dead.

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. SSB 5808 passed out of Local Government & Housing Cmte. with no amendments. Rules. WFCA supports as written.

OPEN RECORDS/MEETINGS LEGISLATION

SHB 1552: Mandates that formal public testimony must be allowed prior to passage of any resolution or formal action. Rules. Amendments have been added to clarify that only the Administrative Procedures Act, not the Open Public Meetings Act, is required to have formal testimony. Monitor. Sen. Government Operations Cmte.

OTHER BILLS

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. Passed House Commerce & Labor Cmte. Rules.

HB 1080: This legislation is prime-sponsored by Rep. Geoff Simpson and provides impact fee authority for fire protection districts. We expect heavy opposition from the home builders. WFCA supports. Rules.

HB 1196: A local government associations' joint proposal to increase the small works roster dollar limit from $200,000 to $300,000 for construction, building, renovation, repair or improvement of real property. WFCA supports. Rules.

HB 1374: This legislation will reinstate the intent to fund the local government archives program through the county surcharge of $1 per document recorded and repeal any future use of the funds for debt service on the state heritage center. WFCA strongly supports. Sen. Ways & Means Cmte. Bill must pass out of committee by April 6.

HB 2151/SB 5994: Governor Gregoire's request legislation to eliminate over 60 boards, commissions and advisory committees. Included on the list for elimination by June 30, 2010 is the EMS & Trauma Care Steering Cmte., Emergency Management Council, Fire Protection Policy Board and others. State Government & Tribal Affairs Cmte. This bill is not subject to cutoff and will be alive until the end of session.

ESHB 1018: A bill to eliminate March special elections for all local governments. WFCA does not oppose. NOTE: House floor amendment restores the May special election for bonds; only the March date is eliminated. Sen. Government Operations Cmte.

SSB 5638: This bill will require that any contract entered into with a fire protection district must provide for adequate compensation (defined as compensation that may not fall below the proportional property tax burden of property located within the fire district). It appears amendments to reduce concerns of mutual aid agreements, statutory contracts and statewide mobilization have been clarified. WFCA supports. Passed House Local Government & Housing Cmte. with amendments offered by the WFCA to clarify that current contracts are prospective and provides clearer definition of governmental entities. Rules.