Bill > LC0136

This bill establishes a framework for creating regional fire protection authorities that allow two or more adjacent local governments, rural fire districts, fire service areas, or fire companies to combine their fire and emergency response resources. The bill provides a comprehensive process for forming these regional authorities, including requirements for developing a detailed authority plan that covers services, financing, boundaries, employee transfers, and other critical operational details. Local governments participating in creating a fire protection authority must form a planning committee, hold public hearings, and ultimately submit the plan to voters for approval. The new authorities would have the power to levy taxes, enter into contracts, provide fire and emergency medical services, and establish mutual aid agreements with other fire protection entities. Importantly, the bill ensures that existing employee rights, benefits, and pension plans are preserved during the transition, and it allows for voluntary annexation or withdrawal of jurisdictions under specific conditions. The legislation aims to help smaller, adjacent fire protection jurisdictions collaborate more effectively, potentially improving emergency response capabilities and operational efficiency by pooling resources and standardizing services across regional areas.

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/lc/bill/2/LC0136