SF 272: Authorizing length of service award programs for volunteer fire fighters, volunteer emergency medical care providers, and reserve peace officers, and making appropriations

What it does

This bill authorizes a municipality, defined as a city, county, township, benefited fire district, or agency authorized by law to provide emergency response services, to establish a length of service award program as described in section 457(e)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code for volunteer fire fighters, volunteer emergency medical care providers, and reserve peace officers. The bill provides that the governing body of a municipality that establishes a program shall, in consultation with the chief or other person in command of the fire department and police department serving the municipality, as applicable, adopt guidelines providing for eligibility requirements for participation by volunteer fire fighters, volunteer emergency medical care providers, and reserve peace officers, minimum vesting requirements, distribution requirements, and such other guidelines as deemed necessary to operate the program.

Senate subcommittee · named February 15, 2023

• Sen. Tom Shipley (R) · tom.shipley@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Jesse Green (R) · jesse.green@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Izaah Knox (D) · izaah.knox@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 8 for, 0 against

For: Iowa Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO); Iowa Emergency Medical Services Association; Iowa Firefighters Association (IFA); Iowa Fraternal Order of Police; Iowa League of Cities; Iowa Police Chief Association (FKA Iowa Police Executive Forum); Iowa Professional Fire Fighters; Iowa State Reserve Law Officers Association

In plain words

1. February 13, 2023Filed in the Senate and sent to the Local Government committee
2. February 15, 2023Senate subcommittee named: Shipley, Green and Knox
3. February 22, 2023Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 28, 2023Approved by the Senate committee, and given a new number: SF 447