Iowa House Bill HSB19

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/23
• Refer: 1/12/23

Caption

A bill for an act authorizing length of service award programs for volunteer fire fighters, volunteer emergency medical care providers, and reserve peace officers, and making appropriations.(See HF 193, HF 340.)

Impact

The proposed legislation will amend existing statutes to enable municipalities—including cities, counties, and other legally recognized entities—that provide emergency services to create and manage these award programs. A significant component of HSB19 is the establishment of a grant fund that will be controlled by the Department of Revenue. This fund will receive an allocation of $1 million in lottery revenues each fiscal year, which should help municipalities in funding these programs. Grants are specifically meant to support award programs, with a provision for municipalities to match funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis to encourage local investment in such initiatives.

Summary

House Study Bill 19 (HSB19) proposes to authorize municipalities to establish length of service award programs for volunteer fire fighters, volunteer emergency medical care providers, and reserve peace officers. The bill aims to provide a structured incentive to support those who provide emergency services in volunteer capacities by allowing municipalities to create programs that offer specific awards to their participants. These awards are designed to function as tax-deferred benefits under the federal Internal Revenue Code. The bill outlines that each municipality wishing to establish such a program must adopt its own guidelines regarding eligibility, participation, and benefit distribution requirements.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to enhance volunteer retention in critical emergency services, it may also face scrutiny regarding the use of public funds for awards versus direct emergency services funding. Some stakeholders may question whether allocating lottery revenues to these programs is the best use of resources, particularly in light of other pressing financial needs within local communities. Discussions surrounding the effectiveness and appropriateness of such awards could emerge as local governing bodies weigh the decision to enact these programs under the new framework proposed by the bill.