Bill > HB1628

This bill creates the Washington State Fire Service Policy Board to address the evolving challenges and needs of fire services across the state. The legislature recognizes that fire departments have significantly expanded their responsibilities since the 1990s, now handling not just fire suppression but also emergency medical services, public education, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, and all-hazards emergency management. The bill highlights ongoing funding issues with the state fire marshal's office, where only 3.4 percent of budget requests were funded in the last decade, leading to unperformed statutory mandates and limited training opportunities, especially in rural and economically vulnerable areas. The new policy board will consist of representatives from various firefighter and fire service organizations, including the Washington State Council of Firefighters, Washington State Firefighters' Association, Fire Commissioners Association, Fire Chiefs Association, and Fire Marshals Association. The board will meet at least quarterly, advise the state director of fire protection on matters related to the fire marshal's office, develop budget recommendations, and create strategies to improve fire service training and resources. Board members will serve without compensation but can be reimbursed for travel expenses, and they will have civil liability immunity for official acts performed in their duties.