The bill establishes a prescribed fire claims fund pilot program in Washington to address the growing forest health crisis exacerbated by increasing wildfires. It recognizes the effectiveness of prescribed and cultural burning as tools for forest management and aims to mitigate the financial risks associated with these practices. The program will provide loss coverage for damages resulting from prescribed fires and cultural burns conducted by certified burn managers and cultural fire practitioners, ensuring that claims meet specific eligibility criteria. The bill also creates a prescribed fire claims account to fund these reimbursements, with a cap of $2,000,000 per claim, contingent on available appropriations.

Additionally, the bill amends RCW 4.92.220 to include the administration of the prescribed fire claims fund pilot program as an allowable expenditure from the risk management administration account. It sets forth guidelines for the program's operation, including collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders, and establishes a timeline for the program's expiration on June 30, 2033. The act is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of public safety and takes effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.376.010
Substitute Bill: 43.376.010