Concerning deputy state fire marshals.

HB 2237 requires the Washington State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) to set deputy state fire marshal salaries competitive with local fire departments, using a specific salary survey. It mandates the Office of Financial Management to compare compensation (including base pay, premiums, education, and longevity pay) against seven major local agencies like Seattle and Spokane fire departments, updating this comparison every four years starting September 2026. The bill also directs the State Fire Service Policy Board to examine whether the SFMO should operate independently from the state patrol, reporting by December 2026. This aims to address staffing shortages caused by lower SFMO pay compared to local departments.