Bill > HSB197

This Study Bill authorizes local governments, such as cities, to create "length of service award programs" for their volunteer firefighters, volunteer emergency medical care providers, and reserve peace officers, which are individuals who serve in these capacities without regular pay. These programs are designed to provide financial awards based on how long these volunteers serve, with the intention that these awards will be treated as tax-deferred benefits under federal tax law, similar to retirement savings plans. To help fund these programs, the bill also establishes a "length of service award program grant fund" managed by the state fire service and emergency response council, which will provide grants to municipalities that have established such programs, potentially matching local contributions dollar-for-dollar, and these funds will not revert at the end of a fiscal year.