HCS HB 508 -- FIRE PROTECTION

SPONSOR:  Johnson, 47

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Local
Government by a vote of 10 to 8.

This substitute requires certain fire districts located in St.
Louis County which include certain street light maintenance
districts to establish wards equivalent to the number of fire
district directors for the purpose of electing new directors.
The wards must be established after proper notice and within 60
days after August 28, 2003, and thereafter within six months
after each decennial census.  If the fire district fails to
establish boundaries within the deadline, the governing body of
the county must establish the wards within certain restrictions
outlined in the substitute.  The substitute establishes
qualifications of directors, election procedures, and the filling
of vacancies.

The substitute also prohibits firefighters from electioneering
while on duty or while wearing a uniform.  Violations may result
in forfeiture of employment.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not available at time of printing.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that firemen certified in any
accredited fire academy should be able to work anywhere in the
state.  St. Louis City and St. Louis County currently do not
allow firefighters to work in their fire districts if they are
not accredited in their jurisdiction.  Firefighters should not be
able to use their position of authority to influence an election.
Fire districts are controlled by the unions, and the residents of
the districts are being ignored.  Residents don't have a voice in
what is going on in fire districts.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Walton and Parker;
and Firefighters League for the Advancement of Minority
Equalization.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that firefighters have
the right to work on issues related to elections.  Firemen would
lose fights if they could not electioneer.  Counties make rules
regarding where a fireman must be trained.  Firemen need to be
trained for the area and type of firefighting they are going to
be doing.  Training is designed for specific areas of the state.
There is a problem with racial tension in the St. Louis area.
The bill will not help with racial problems or with the hiring of
more black firefighters.

Testifying against the bill was Missouri State Council of
Firefighters.

Steve Bauer, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:12 am