JFAC approves $40 million transfer for fire suppression; approves Department of Lands FY2026 enhancements including bonuses and equipment

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on March 14 approved a one-time $40,000,000 transfer from the General Fund to the Department of Lands’ continuously appropriated Fire Suppression Deficiency Fund to finance firefighting activities during the 2025 fire season.

The transfer was offered as a motion by Representative Manwaring and seconded by Senator Woodward; the committee reported a unanimous committee vote of 20 ayes, 0 nays (Senate 10–0; House 10–0) and the motion carried with a due-pass recommendation. Committee analysts said the transfer should bring the fire fund’s balance above $50,000,000 but cautioned that a season similar to the prior year—when suppression costs were about $60,000,000—could require use of the deficiency warrant process.

Why it matters: The Fire Suppression Deficiency Fund is the Department of Lands’ mechanism for paying firefighting costs statewide. Committee analysts described the fund as a dedicated vehicle to cover firefighting expenses and said the one-time transfer would increase the agency’s capacity to respond to wildfires without immediate general fund outlays for each emergency.

In a second, related action on the Department of Lands’ FY2026 request, the committee approved multiple enhancements including three additional full-time positions, equipment purchases, and one-time replacement items. Senator Woodward moved the FY2026 package that included funding for a fire emergency support program manager, a fire aviation section manager, a statewide forest assessment manager, fire detection cameras ($458,000), fire equipment ($729,800), replacement items from dedicated funds ($2,070,200 one-time), bonuses for IDL and Timber Protective Association firefighters ($125,000 one-time), and satellite fire detection and mapping ($150,000), among other items. The motion totaled $6,806,000 (approximately $2,061,200 from the General Fund and $4,744,800 from dedicated funds) and added three FTEs.

Vote: The FY2026 enhancement package passed; the committees recorded a combined 19 ayes and 1 nay (Senate 9–1; House 10–0). Representative Gallavese commented that the one-time bonuses would cover roughly 350 firefighters who worked extended shifts during the recent wildfire season.

Committee language: The committee also adopted, by unanimous consent, accompanying language regarding the Abandoned Mines Fund directing that at least 90% of reclamation funds be expended annually on eligible mine-site reclamation expenses and adding the usual conditions, limitations and restrictions language that accompanies appropriations.

Discussion vs. decision: Committee discussion focused on the adequacy of the fund balance relative to last year’s suppression costs and on personnel and equipment needs for FY2026. The transfer and the appropriations were formal committee actions; committee members noted the department retains deficit-payment authority through the deficiency warrant process if an unusually expensive season occurs.

What’s next: Both actions were reported out with due-pass recommendations to the floor.