The bill amends existing laws regarding the formation and operation of fire protection districts in Washington State. It allows a city or town's legislative authority to establish a fire protection district through a resolution, subject to voter approval, with boundaries matching the city's or town's corporate limits. The resolution must include a financing plan detailing proposed revenue sources, such as property taxes or benefit charges, and must set a date for a public hearing. Notably, if the fire protection district is formed before July 1, 2026, the city or town must reduce its highest lawful property tax levy by the amount levied by the fire protection district. The bill also specifies that public notice of the hearing must be published on a city website or in a local newspaper, and additional notification methods may be used.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the transfer of powers, duties, and functions from the city or town fire department to the newly formed fire protection district, including the transfer of personnel, property, and funds. Employees of the city or town fire department will retain their rights and benefits upon transfer, and the municipal fire protection authority may contract with the city or town for various administrative services. Additionally, the bill modifies the property tax levy regulations to protect the future levy capacity of taxing districts that reduce their tax levies, removing previous limitations that applied during the formation of a fire protection district.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 52.02.160, 52.02.180, 84.55.092