ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

Second Regular Session

HB 2413: wildfire suppression; liability; increase

Sponsor: Representative Cook, LD 7

Committee on Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Overview

Increases the amount of liability, from $3,000,000 to $8,000,000, that may be incurred by the State Forester to suppress wildland fires.

History

Originally part of the State Land Department, the State Forester was established as a separate position in 2004. Appointed by the Governor, the State Forester is responsible for the direction, operation and control of the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) and is authorized to prevent, manage or suppress wildfires on state and private lands located outside incorporated municipalities.

The Governor may authorize the State Forester to incur liabilities to suppress wildland fires and respond to other unplanned all-risk activities. Statute describes all-risk activities as fire, flood, earthquake, wind and hazardous material responses, preparing for periods of extreme fire danger and pre-positioning equipment and other fire suppression resources (A.R.S. § 37-1305).

The Fire Suppression Revolving Fund, administered by the State Forester, consists of civil penalties collected for prohibited use of fireworks on state land and monies received for wildland fire suppression. Monies are continuously appropriated to the State Forester and are exempt from lapsing (A.R.S. §§ 36-1610, 37-1305).

Provisions

1. Increases the amount of the current limitation on liabilities that may be incurred by the State Forester for wildland fire suppression or other unplanned all-risk emergencies from $3,000,000 to $8,000,000 of state General Fund monies.

2. Makes technical and conforming changes.

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6. HB 2413

7. Initials EB/KK Page 0 Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

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