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Committee advances bill to raise wildfire protection surcharge from $40 to $100
Summary
Lawmakers moved H 511 out of committee with a DO PASS recommendation after supporters from industry and the Idaho Department of Lands testified that the fire protection surcharge — unchanged since 2009 — is insufficient and could create a fund shortfall within five years; motion carried by voice vote.
Rep. Boyle presented H 511 to the House Resources & Conservation Committee on Jan. 29, calling it a "pay to play" bill intended to finance fire protection for homes and structures in wildland-urban interface areas by increasing the current maximum surcharge from $40 to $100.
Industry representatives Clete Edmunson (Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho) and Stephen Thomas (Idaho Forest Group) testified in support. Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller and Coeur d'Alene Fire Chief Josh Harvey also testified in support, saying the fire protection program surcharge has not been adjusted since 2009 and that population growth in wildland-urban interface areas has increased fiscal pressure on the fund. The sponsor said the current rate would lead to a shortfall within five years absent an increase.
Rep. Raymond moved to send H 511 to the floor with a DO PASS recommendation; the motion carried by voice vote. Rep. Boyle will sponsor the bill on the House floor. No roll-call tally was recorded in committee minutes.
