SSB 1257 (LSB 2595XC (2) 86)

SENATE FILE _____

BY  (PROPOSED COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT BILL BY CHAIRPERSON DANIELSON)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to emergency services by conducting a study concerning modernization, reform, and regionalization of financing, education and training of providers, reporting requirements, tax credits for personnel, governance reform, and governing boards and commissions.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  STUDY ON EMERGENCY SERVICES.
   1.  The department of public health, in consultation with other agencies as the department deems appropriate, shall study the condition of emergency services in the state. The department of public health shall consider and make recommendations on all of the following:
   a.  A method for modernizing, reforming, and regionalizing the financing of emergency services to ensure adequate resources for the provision of emergency services.
   b.  A method by which to provide a comprehensive approach to emergency services training and education to ensure standardization and support.
   c.  A method by which to streamline reporting requirements for emergency medical services providers.
   d.  The adequacy of the volunteer fire fighter and volunteer emergency medical services personnel tax credit and whether another method of incenting Iowans is needed to ensure financial rewards and encourage more Iowans to consider emergency services positions.
   e.  A method for providing an alternate governance structure with an option for regional emergency services delivery.
   f.  The current state boards and commissions and whether the emergency services community is adequately represented with other public safety professionals.
   2.  The department of public health shall submit a report regarding the findings and recommendations resulting from the study to the general assembly by December 15, 2015.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with

the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to emergency services by requiring the department of public health to conduct a study concerning modernization, reform, and regionalization of financing for emergency services, education and training of emergency services providers, reporting requirements, tax credits for personnel, governance reform, and current governing boards and commissions. The bill requires the department of public health to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the general assembly by December 15, 2015.