This bill establishes a five-year pilot project for rangeland fire protection associations in eastern Washington, aimed at enhancing wildfire suppression efforts by leveraging the local knowledge and proximity of ranchers, farmers, and rural property owners. The Department of Natural Resources is tasked with implementing the project, which will assess the effectiveness of these associations in providing initial firefighting capabilities. The pilot project is required to be operational by the beginning of the calendar year and will conclude at the end of 2029. The department will also develop recommendations for the formation, management, and training of association members, and will conduct annual reviews to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.

The bill includes several new sections that define the roles and responsibilities of rangeland fire protection associations and their members. It specifies that these associations must have liability insurance, establish service boundaries, and comply with training requirements, including achieving a minimum level of wildland fire training. Additionally, the bill clarifies that individuals are not required to be members of an association to suppress fires on their property. All provisions related to the pilot project will expire on June 30, 2030.