H.B. 873 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 873 By: Robby Cook Agriculture & Livestock Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The 77th Legislature passed House Bill 3667 establishing the rural volunteer fire department insurance program and imposed a two percent sales tax on fireworks. Prior to the establishment of this fund, the primary source of revenue for rural volunteer fire departments in this state was through fundraisers and donations. Even though such fire departments operate with little or no reserve personnel funds, they respond to most of the wildland fires around the state. The bill also established an advisory committee to help the director in regard to the administration of the program. HB 873 amends the requirements for the membership of the advisory committee and adds the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an eligible participant in firefighter certification. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 873 adds the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an eligible participant in firefighter certification. The bill also deletes the occupational requirements but retains the regional representation of the advisory committee and allows the advisory committee members to receive reimbursement for travel expenses. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2003.