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2021 LEGISLATURE

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

RECENT LEGISLATIVE NEWS

Washington Fire Chiefs Legislative Report

Posted: Nov 16, 2015

Categories: News, WFC News, Legislative Announcements

Comments: 0

Author: Kathleen Harmon (Admin)

Interim Update/Session Preview
- The Legislature will be convening in Olympia for Committee Assembly Days on November 19 & 20. Pre-session hearings and work group presentations on interim activities will be made, and session previews from agencies will take place. This is a grand time to meet with legislators to discuss the upcoming session and any legislative action items we may have, as well as to gather signatures for bills to be prefiled for 2016.
- The 2016 Legislative Session will begin January 11 and is scheduled to run for 60 consecutive days. Most legislators (and lobbyists) are hoping to end on-time, with the focus turning quickly to the 2016 elections. Plenty of work will need to be done before that can happen, though, with the need for a Supplemental Operating Budget appearing likely as the Legislature will look to tackle not just the education funding issue, but also the massive costs associated with the year’s wildfire season. Similarly, a Supplemental Capital Budget is also on the table, though some legislators are already indicating that a supplemental may not be necessary.