HB 209 Summary

• Amends AS 41.15.030(b) to allow the commissioner to hire emergency firefighting personnel and establish pay classifications consistent with other firefighting agencies.

• Authorizes assignment of emergency firefighting personnel to fire suppression, hazard reduction, fire prevention, habitat restoration, and related activities in both emergency and nonemergency circumstances.

• Prohibits using emergency firefighting personnel assignments to nonemergency activities as a replacement for permanent or seasonal state employees.

• Repeals prior restriction that prevented use of state general fund appropriations for emergency firefighting personnel engaged in nonemergency activities.

• Takes effect immediately upon enactment.