The bill amends RCW 43.43.944 to establish the fire service training account in the state treasury, which is primarily intended for the training of both volunteer and career firefighters. The account will consist of various funding sources, including fees from the Washington state patrol for fire service training, grants and bequests, and a revised percentage of fire insurance premiums, which has been increased from twenty to twenty-two percent. Additionally, the account will receive revenue from penalties established under RCW 19.27.740 and general fund state moneys appropriated by the legislature.

The bill outlines that the funds in the account may be appropriated for fire service training, school fire prevention activities, and the maintenance and operations of the state fire training academy. However, it stipulates that expenditures for school fire prevention and academy operations must not adversely affect the funding for firefighter training. Furthermore, any general fund state moneys allocated to the account are designated solely for the firefighter joint apprenticeship training program, and the Washington state patrol is authorized to contract with external entities for the program's administration and delivery.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.43.944
Engrossed Bill: 43.43.944
Bill as Passed Legislature: 43.43.944
Session Law: 43.43.944