JFAC transfers $40 million to fire suppression fund, approves Lands enhancements including bonuses and equipment

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on March 14 approved a one-time transfer of $40,000,000 from the General Fund to the fire suppression deficiency fund and later approved a separate FY2026 package of enhancements for the Department of Lands that adds staff, equipment and one-time bonuses for firefighters.

The transfer motion was made by Representative Manwaring and seconded by Senator Woodward. Representative Manwaring moved “for fiscal year 20 25 for the Department of Lands in the Forest And Range Range Fire Protection Program, a 1 time appropriation and transfer of $40,000,000 from the General Fund to the continuously appropriated Fire Suppression Deficiency Fund for future fire costs.” The committee recorded a unanimous vote: 20 ayes, 0 nays (10 Senate, 10 House), and the motion carried with a due-pass recommendation.

Committee members later considered a FY2026 package of enhancements for the Department of Lands that included three new full-time positions, fire detection cameras, aviation and firefighting equipment, satellite fire detection and mapping services, and one-time bonuses for firefighters. Senator Woodward moved the FY2026 package, including line items described on the committee motion: additions for a fire emergency support program manager, a fire aviation section manager, a statewide forest assessment manager, $458,000 for fire detection cameras, $729,800 for fire equipment, $500,000 for statewide security upgrades, and $125,000 one-time in bonuses for IDL and Timber Protective Association firefighters among other items. The motion specified a total of $2,061,200 from the General Fund and $4,744,800 from dedicated funds for a total of $6,806,000 and an additional 3 FTE.

That motion passed by a combined committee vote of 19 ayes and 1 nay. Representative Gallavese noted the bonuses include “upwards of 350 firefighters” in one description of the package; agency staff later clarified Director Miller told analysts that “last year approximately 300 individuals received bonuses.”

Committee staff described the fire suppression deficiency fund as a continuously appropriated fund that the Department of Lands uses to pay firefighting costs during the season. Senator Woodward observed that the recent season cost about $60,000,000 and that the deficiency fund above $50,000,000 could still require use of the deficiency-warrant process in a similarly costly season.

The motions carried with due-pass recommendations and included the condition and limitations language the committee normally attaches to such transfers and appropriations.

The committee did not take further amendment on the Lands motions and moved on to other agency budgets after adopting the motions.