What changed in SF 2267

1. This chapter authorizes a pilot project for which a county of the state may establish an the establishment of emergency response district districts.

2. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a county within the state an opportunity to participate in a pilot project having a new governance structure to facilitate the delivery and funding of fire protection service and emergency medical service to residents of the county. do all of the following:

a. Serve a public use and promote the health, safety, prosperity, security, and general welfare of the citizens of emergency response districts by preventing or reducing duplication, overlap, and fragmentation of the functions and facilities of special districts.

b. Better serve the citizens of the state through consolidation.

c. Reduce costs and increase efficiency of operation.

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2. Section 357J.2, Code 2022, is amended to read as follows: 357J.2 Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. “Board” means the board of supervisors of a county.

2.

1. “Commission” means a governing body composed of a member of the board of supervisors, the sheriff, and the mayor from each city within the district. A member of the commission shall not appoint a designee to serve on the commission in the member’s capacity or designee of each governmental entity that is a member of the emergency response district.

3.

2. “District” means an emergency response district area.

3. “Governmental entity” means a county, city, or township.

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3. Section 357J.3, Code 2022, is amended by striking the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 357J.3 Notification of public hearing.

1. Each governmental entity intending to participate in an emergency response district shall issue a notice of intent to hold a public hearing concerning the establishment of a proposed district. The hearing shall not be held until at least thirty days after the notice is issued but not more than ninety days after the notice is issued.

2. Notice required under subsection 1 shall include all of the following information:

a. A statement explaining the need for fire protection service or emergency medical service.

b. The geographic boundaries of the district.

c. The approximate number of families in the district.

d. The proposed personnel, equipment, and facilities to provide the fire protection services or emergency medical services.

e. The date, time, and location of the public hearing.

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4. Section 357J.4, Code 2022, is amended to read as follows: 357J.4 District —— boundary changes.

1. The boundary lines of a district may include any incorporated or unincorporated areas within a county.

2.

a. The boundary lines of a district shall not be changed after the district is established except as provided in this subsection.

a.

b. The boundary lines of a district shall be changed and shall become effective immediately upon approval of all of the following:

(1) The the commission and each governmental entity currently participating in the emergency response district.

(2) The board of township trustees of the area proposed to be included or excluded from the district.

(3) The district fire chief.

(4) The assistant fire chief who is responsible for delivery of fire protection service and emergency medical service within the area proposed to be excluded from the district, if applicable.

(5) The fire chief of a fire department in the area proposed to be included in the district, if applicable.

b. The boundary lines of a district shall be changed to exclude a city or the unincorporated areas of a township if the commission receives a written request from the governing body of the city or the board of township trustees, as applicable, requesting exclusion from the district. However, a boundary change under this paragraph shall become effective no earlier than eighteen months following receipt of the written request.

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5.

NEW SECTION. 357J.19 Dissolution of district. Incorporation documents of an emergency response district shall include provisions for dissolution, the withdrawal of an individual participant in the emergency response district, and the dispensing of property in the case of either event.

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