130th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 63 LR 125(01)
An Act Regarding the Northeastern Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
Sponsor: Rep. Pluecker of Warren
Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Legal immunity for firefighters reciprocal
Fiscal Detail and Notes
This bill extends liability protection for the State and firefighters who travel to fight wildfires outside of the Northeastern Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact area. This is a reciprocal arrangement where Maine will provide legal immunity to firefighters from other states if other states provide it to Maine firefighters. For example, if an event occurs during fire suppression efforts that creates a legal liability issue, the state requesting help will handle any defense and accept responsibility for the outcome. Given that this is a reciprical arrangement and Maine will remain liable only for what occurs within its borders, there is not expected to be any significant impact on the Risk Management Fund within the Department of Administrative and Financial Services.