HF 2572

as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 02/29/2012 01:34pm

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; imposing a temporary moratorium on the establishment
of new fire departments; requiring a report from the state fire marshal; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 299F.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [299F.999] TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON NEW FIRE
DEPARTMENTS; REPORT REQUIRED; SUNSET.
new text end

new text begin (a) As used in this section, "fire department" has the meaning given in section
299F.092.
new text end

new text begin (b) Unless approved by voters in an election described in paragraph (d), a local unit
of government may not: (1) establish a new fire department; (2) close an existing fire
department; or (3) withdraw from an agreement to receive fire protection services from
the fire department of another unit of government. The restrictions described in clauses
(2) and (3) do not apply if the local unit of government enters into an agreement with a
fire department that has been in existence for at least five years to provide an equivalent
degree of fire protection services as the governmental unit is currently receiving.
new text end

new text begin (c) By January 15, 2013, the state fire marshal shall report to the chairs and
ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives committees having
jurisdiction over the state fire marshal on minimum standards with which fire departments
should be required to comply. At a minimum, the standards must address staffing levels,
equipment needs, estimated response times, and the experience levels of departmental
personnel.
new text end

new text begin (d) To authorize an action otherwise prohibited by paragraph (b), the question must
be approved by a majority of voters voting on the question at a general election or special
election called for that purpose. All eligible voters affected by the action at issue shall be
allowed to vote on the question.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE; SUNSET. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final
enactment and expires June 1, 2013.
new text end