House Bill 2224 would update state law governing cities’ creation of fire protection districts, giving local governments another optional tool to fund fire and emergency medical services without undermining other essential services
On Friday, the House Local Government Committee voted in favor of legislation sponsored by Rep. David Stuebe that would give cities another option for creating and managing their local fire protection services.
House Bill 2224 would update state law governing cities’ creation of fire protection districts, giving local governments another optional tool to fund fire and emergency medical services without undermining other essential services.
“This bill is about giving cities choices, not mandates,” said Stuebe, R-Washougal. “As a mayor of a small city, I’ve been in the room when communities are forced to choose between adequately funding fire protection and keeping basic city services running. That’s not a fair position to put local leaders or taxpayers in.”
Under current law, when a city forms a fire protection district through voter approval, it must reduce its general property tax levy by the amount of the new fire district levy. According to Stuebe, that requirement often discourages cities from even considering this option.
“I’ve seen firsthand how that levy reduction can hollow out a city’s general fund,” Stuebe said. “You may improve fire services, but you’re cutting police, street maintenance, or other core functions at the same time. House Bill 2224 would remove that financial penalty while still letting voters have the final say.”
The bill applies only to fire protection districts formed after July 1, 2026, does not require any city to take action, and the decision must be voter-approved. Cities would retain full local control over whether to form a district, continue providing fire services in-house, or pursue other arrangements.
HB 2224 would also modernize public notice requirements by allowing cities to use websites, local newspapers, mail, or other reasonable methods to notify residents. In addition, it would allow fire protection authorities to contract with cities for administrative services, reducing duplication and saving taxpayer dollars.
“This is about flexibility and respecting local decision-making,” Stuebe said. “Small cities deserve practical options to keep their communities safe without breaking their budgets.”
The bill now awaits a vote by the entire House.
Information provided by the Washington State House Republicans, houserepublicans.wa.gov
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