Bill Sponsored by 12th Dist. Senator Brad Hawkins Passes Key Committee

A key state Senate committee passed a bill sponsored by 12th District Senator Brad Hawkins designed to help prevent wildfires.

It would implement recommendations by a task force regarding removing dangerous trees, investigation recommendations and communications protocols among other things.

"I'm very thankful my bill gained the full support of the committee. We had good testimony at the hearing from Chelan PUD and other utilities. I hope this bill is one that can make it all the way through the process this year."

Hawkins says the measure could lead to a stronger collaboration.

"Finding ways for our utilities to work more closely with DNR is something that could really benefit us in the 12th District. Given the many PUDs in our area and our past history of devastating wildfires."

The bill would direct state Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz to work with the Utility Wildland Fire Prevention Advisory Committee to implement recommendations recently offered in this report issued in December 2020.

Franz also spoke in favor of the bill which now moves on to the full Senate.