Various policy and technical changes made to fire state aid and police state aid programs.
Impact
The bill proposes amendments that directly impact Minnesota Statutes governing the distribution of aid. For fire departments, new subdivisions will be introduced to define apportionment agreements and clarify the criteria for calculating aid based on service agreements and the estimated market value of the areas they serve. This is anticipated to enhance the financial stability of firefighting services statewide, making it easier for local governments to manage their funding requirements effectively.
Summary
House File 404 focuses on various policy and technical changes to fire state aid and police state aid programs in Minnesota. The bill seeks to amend existing statutes related to state financial assistance for fire protection services and police departments. Key changes include adjustments to the methods of apportioning aid based on population and market value, which can affect how municipalities and firefighter corporations receive state support.
Contention
While the bill aims to streamline the funding processes for fire and police services, there may be points of contention surrounding the amendments, particularly in terms of how municipalities perceive these changes. Supporters may argue the bill's updates reflect the need for modernized financial support mechanisms that align with contemporary needs and service agreements, whereas opponents could express concerns regarding the fairness of aid distribution and the bureaucratic burden introduced by the requirement for additional reporting and compliance.
Various policy and technical changes made to individual income and corporate franchise taxes, fire and police state aids, tax-related data practices provisions, and other miscellaneous taxes and tax provisions.
Public Employees Retirement Association statewide volunteer firefighter plan; defined contribution plan added, frequency of funding requirement determinations reduced, firefighters with previous service allowed to request service credit for vesting purposes, and other technical and administrative changes made.
State Auditor's volunteer firefighter working group recommendations; volunteer firefighters relief association provisions amended, and conforming changes made.
State auditor's volunteer firefighter working group recommendations implemented, volunteer firefighters relief associations governing provisions modified, and conforming changes made.
Individual income taxes, corporate franchise taxes, sales and use taxes, and other various taxes and tax-related provisions modified; various policy and technical changes made; income tax credits and subtractions modified; and enforcement, return, and audit provisions modified.
Various policy and technical changes made to individual income and corporate franchise taxes, fire and police state aids, tax-related data practices provisions, and other miscellaneous taxes and tax provisions.