Iowa House Bill HF418

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/23
• Refer: 2/22/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to purchasing of tires from the state by certain volunteer emergency services providers.(See HF 603.)

Impact

The legislation will directly impact volunteers in the emergency services sector by offering a streamlined and cost-effective way to obtain tires. By allowing these providers access to state-negotiated pricing on tires, the bill aims to alleviate some financial burdens faced by volunteer emergency responders, enhancing their operational readiness. This could lead to improved response times and service reliability, as well-maintained vehicles are crucial for emergency responses.

Summary

House File 418 aims to facilitate the procurement of tires for certain volunteer emergency services providers in Iowa. The bill specifically outlines that volunteer firefighters, unpaid emergency medical care providers, and reserve peace officers are eligible to purchase one set of tires each year from the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) under a pre-established master contract. This provision is designed to support these essential services by providing a necessary resource at a more accessible rate, acknowledging the critical role these volunteers play in public safety.

Contention

While the bill appears to have clear benefits for volunteer emergency services, discussions surrounding it may reflect broader themes regarding state support for volunteer initiatives. Some stakeholders may argue about the need for additional support for emergency services beyond just concrete resources like tires, highlighting ongoing discussions about funding and resource allocation for volunteer services. Additionally, the requirement for DAS to adopt governing rules introduces the potential for administrative complexities that could arise during implementation.