The 2021 Legislative Session begins in January of 2021. The Washington Fire Chiefs Legislative Committee has polled our members to establish our “Top 5 Goals” for the 2021 session, which were assembled by the Legislative Committee based on membership feedback. In addition, you will see bills we are following for 2021 begin to be added to the bill tracker as the session starts. Due to the uncertainty surrounding this year's session, the following priorities have been established as a draft, and may be updated that the political climate unfolds.

COVID-19-Related Proposals
Monitor Opportunities for COVID-Related Financial Support to Fire Districts and RFAs (both State and Federal CARES Act)
Monitor Impacts of EMS Recertification Delays
Monitor Impacts of COVID-Related Mitigation Requirements on Fire Personnel
Monitor Options Regarding COVID-19 as a Presumptive Occupational Disease

     Police Accountability Proposals
Monitor Impacts of Changes to Qualified Immunity for First Responders 
Monitor Impacts of Changes to Collective Bargaining Agreements
Monitor Impacts of Changes that Impact 911 Call Centers
Monitor Impacts of Law Enforcement Duties on Scene Security for Fire/EMS Response

General Operations/Policy Proposal
Explore Incentive Options for Ongoing Regionalization Efforts (example: benefit charge authority, etc.)
Early Deployment/Pre-Positioning for Wildland/Mobilization
Protecting DNR Wildland Firefighting Resources
Giving Fire Protection Districts Authority to Increase the Number of Commissioners from 5 to 7 Members
Explore Options Related to the 1% Property Tax Growth Limit
Clarify Piggybacking Authority Related to Job Order Contracts

 WSAFM-Related Proposals
Monitor Food Truck Fire Safety Proposals
Monitor Impacts of Code Suspensions/Delays due to COVID-19 and Homeless/Affordable Housing Efforts
Protect Key Programs and Funding within the State Fire Marshal’s Office