WA HB2237

Deputy state fire marshal minimum salaries must be competitive with local firefighting agencies, based on biennial surveys conducted by the Office of Financial Management comparing compensation to seven named agencies including Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and Vancouver fire departments

Compensation comparisons must include base salary, premium pay, education pay, and longevity pay, with the Office of Financial Management evaluating comparison agencies every four years starting September 1, 2026

The State Fire Service Policy Board must examine the benefits and issues of creating a state fire marshal office separate and independent from the Washington State Patrol, with a report due to the legislature by December 1, 2026

The bill addresses findings that local fire departments pay 35-55% more than the State Fire Marshal's Office for equivalent positions, resulting in long-term staff vacancies