The bill establishes a law enforcement aviation support grant program aimed at providing financial assistance to local law enforcement rotary wing aviation support units in Washington State. The program will be developed and implemented by the department, which will work with a statewide association of law enforcement executives to identify and recognize these units. The funding will be distributed equally, with 50% allocated for maintaining and operating the aviation support units, covering costs such as pilot and crew expenses, aircraft maintenance, and training. Additionally, the remaining funds will be available for reimbursement of costs associated with search and rescue missions conducted by these units, excluding depreciation costs.

The bill also amends existing laws to include sheriff's offices alongside local fire departments in the context of aerial fire response capabilities and initial attack strategies during wildland fires. It mandates that the department prepare an annual report on aviation usage by both local fire departments and sheriff's offices, detailing funding utilization, specific departments involved, and lessons learned from the previous fire season. The legislation emphasizes the importance of aviation resources in preventing wildfires from escalating and aims to ensure that local agencies have the financial capacity to effectively deploy these resources. The new provisions will expire on July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 76.04.194, 76.04.192