Bill > SF594

This bill requires the state fire marshal to conduct a comprehensive study on the potential consolidation of fire protection services across Iowa's counties. The study must involve a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from fire departments, emergency management agencies, professional firefighter associations, and members of the state legislature. The research will cover multiple critical areas, such as analyzing the upfront and ongoing costs of countywide fire protection services, evaluating current fire protection coverage and response times, examining staffing needs and potential employment structures, assessing equipment requirements, investigating communication and dispatch challenges, and studying existing countywide fire protection service programs in Iowa and other Midwestern states. The study is specifically directed to provide recommendations for implementing countywide fire protection services, with a particular focus on the four most populous counties in Iowa and potential multi-county approaches. The state fire marshal is required to submit a detailed report of the study's findings to the state legislature by June 30, 2026. The bill is deemed of immediate importance and will take effect upon enactment, signaling the state's urgent interest in potentially improving fire protection services across the state.

Government Affairs

Local Government (Senate)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF594