Bill > HB1385

This bill modifies provisions relating to fire protection services in Missouri by establishing new rules for municipal fire departments and fire protection districts. Specifically, the bill prevents newly created cities from establishing their own municipal fire departments if they were previously served by existing fire protection districts, which shall continue to provide services to those areas. When a city annexes an area currently served by a fire protection district, the city must annually pay the district an amount equal to what the district would have levied in taxes on that area, and the annexed area will no longer be subject to additional taxation by the district except for pre-existing bonded debt. The bill also adds a specific provision for a particular city (with between 11,000 and 12,500 inhabitants, located in a county with over one million inhabitants) that mandates the city's fire department will provide fire protection services beginning January 1, 2026, and the city will no longer make payments to the fire protection district. Under this scenario, residents of the annexed area will lose their voting rights in fire protection district elections and their eligibility to serve on the district's board of directors. The fire protection district retains the right to approve or reject proposals for fire protection and emergency medical services.

Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1385&year=2025&code=R