Legislative committee OKs $40 million transfer for fire suppression, approves fire program enhancements and bonuses

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee voted Friday to transfer $40,000,000 from the General Fund to the Fire Suppression Deficiency Fund to cover anticipated firefighting costs and then approved a fiscal 2026 enhancement package for the Department of Lands that adds staff, equipment and one-time spending including bonuses for firefighters.

The committee approved the one-time transfer 20-0 after Janet Jessup, a budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services, told members the move would place the money into a continuously appropriated account the Department of Lands uses to pay for fire-related activities statewide.

"This request is for a transfer of $40,000,000 one time from the general fund to the fire suppression deficiency fund," Jessup said during her presentation. Representative Manwaring moved the transfer and it passed without opposition.

The vote followed brief committee discussion about wildfire costs. Representative Manwaring said the transfer "should bring the fire Fund above $50,000,000" and noted the prior year's costs were about $60,000,000, meaning the department could still need to use the deficiency warrant process if another high-cost season occurs.

After approving the transfer, the committee considered a separate package of fiscal 2026 enhancements for the Department of Lands that the motion described as adding three full-time equivalent positions and more than $6.8 million in combined general and dedicated funds for items including fire detection cameras, fire equipment, satellite fire detection and mapping services, fleet and facilities replacement and adjustments tied to Timber Protective Associations.

Representative Woodward moved that enhancement motion. The committee approved the fiscal 2026 package on a 19-1 vote. Ms. Jessup told members Director Miller reported that "last year approximately 300 individuals received bonuses." Representative Gallavese noted that the bonus funding would affect “upwards of 350 firefighters” who work long shifts during wildfire season.

Committee action also included language tied to the abandoned mines fund, directing that at least 90% of reclamation funds be expended annually on expenses directly related to eligible mine sites; that language was accepted by unanimous consent.

Discussion vs. decision - Discussion: Members questioned whether the one-time transfer would be sufficient if another high-cost fire season occurred and noted the department retains statutory authority to use deficiency warrants. Committee members also flagged the size of the prior year's fire season (~$60 million) as context for the transfer. - Formal action: The committee approved (a) a $40,000,000 one-time transfer to the Fire Suppression Deficiency Fund (passed 20-0), and (b) a fiscal 2026 enhancement package for the Department of Lands including three FTEs and $6,806,000 in combined general/dedicated funds (passed 19-1).

What happens next The motions carry due-pass recommendations and will be sent to the full Legislature for floor consideration as part of the budget process.

For public records All motions, roll-call tallies and the exact appropriation language were entered on the record during the committee session and will appear with the committee’s report to the Legislature.