Bill > HB547

This bill modifies firefighting laws for consolidated city-county governments by clarifying several key provisions. First, it establishes that a fire department in a municipality must have a director of fire service or a fire chief who manages and controls the department according to municipal ordinances. The bill removes previously existing language about volunteer fire departments' status during city-county consolidation, while preserving protections for volunteer firefighters' existing retirement and pension rights. Specifically, the bill ensures that when a city-county consolidates, the adoption of the new government structure cannot automatically eliminate or negatively impact existing volunteer fire departments or the pension and retirement benefits of their members, unless explicitly stated in the government's charter. This legislation appears aimed at providing clarity and stability for fire protection services and personnel during municipal government consolidation, particularly ensuring that volunteer firefighters' rights and existing departments are not arbitrarily disrupted by administrative changes.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1839