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Bill > HSB19


IA HSB19

IA HSB19
A bill for an act authorizing length of service award programs for volunteer fire fighters, volunteer emergency medical care providers, and reserve peace officers, and making appropriations.(See HF 193, HF 340.)


summary

Introduced
01/12/2023
In Committee
01/12/2023
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/16/2024

Introduced Session

90th General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill authorizes a municipality, defined as a city, county, township, benefited fire district, or agency authorized by law to provide emergency response services, to establish a length of service award program as described in section 457(e)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code for volunteer fire fighters, volunteer emergency medical care providers, and reserve peace officers. The bill provides that the governing body of a municipality that establishes a program shall, in consultation with the chief or other person in command of the fire department and police department serving the municipality, as applicable, adopt guidelines providing for eligibility requirements for participation by volunteer fire fighters, volunteer emergency medical care providers, and reserve peace officers, minimum vesting requirements, distribution requirements, and such other guidelines as deemed necessary to operate the program. The bill also establishes a length of service award program grant fund under the control of the department of revenue. H.F. _____ Each fiscal year, $1 million in lottery revenues shall be transferred to the fund prior to deposit of lottery revenues in the general fund of the state. Moneys in the fund are appropriated to the department for grants to municipalities that have established a length of service award program to provide contributions to the program on behalf of participants. The bill requires the department to adopt rules establishing a grant application process that shall provide for up to a dollar-for-dollar funding match from a municipality that has established a length of service award program.

AI Summary

This Study Bill authorizes local governments, referred to as municipalities, to create "length of service award programs" for their volunteer firefighters, volunteer emergency medical care providers, and reserve peace officers, which are individuals who provide essential public safety services without regular pay. These programs are designed to offer a tax-deferred benefit, similar to retirement savings plans, to recognize the long-term commitment of these volunteers. To support these programs, the bill establishes a grant fund, to which $1 million from lottery revenues will be transferred annually before going into the state's general fund. The Department of Revenue will manage this fund and award grants to municipalities that have established a program, requiring these municipalities to match the grant amount dollar-for-dollar. The bill also mandates that municipalities, in consultation with their fire and police chiefs, will set the specific rules for who can participate, how long they need to serve to earn benefits (vesting), and how those benefits will be paid out.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Local Government (House)

Last Action

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 193. (on 02/06/2023)

bill text


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