Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Volunteer Firefighters Equipment Incentive topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears SF1491 to let volunteer firefighters buy tires at municipal contract price; measure laid over
Summary
The committee heard SF1491 on March 4, which would permit volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS providers to purchase one set of tires every three years at a municipal contract price. Committee members asked clarifying questions; the bill was laid over for further consideration.
Senate File 1491, which would allow volunteer firefighters and volunteer emergency medical service providers in Minnesota to purchase one set of tires every three years at the municipality's contract price, was discussed by the Minnesota Senate Committee on State and Local Government on March 4. After brief questions and clarifications, the committee laid the bill over.
The bill sponsor described the measure as an incentive intended to help retain volunteer firefighters and EMS providers by allowing them to buy tires at the same prices municipalities secure on their contracts. The sponsor said this is a "no cost item" to the municipality because the volunteer buys the tires directly from the vendor at the municipal contract price.
Senator Lang asked whether the benefit would apply to paid EMS personnel who drive extensively; a committee member replied the bill applies only to volunteer personnel and does not extend to paid employees. Senator Howe (the sponsor) clarified that volunteers would pay the vendor directly and the municipality would not have to handle funds.
Senator Howe said the program would let volunteers purchase a set of tires once every three years "on the contract price" so they receive the municipality's negotiated rate; the sponsor gave the example that volunteers would pay the vendor the municipal price rather than the municipality handling payment. No appropriation or specific dollar amounts were discussed during the hearing.
After the exchange, the committee laid SF1491 over for further consideration. The committee adjourned and will reconvene on Thursday.
What the bill would do
- Allow volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS providers to purchase one set of tires every three years at the municipal contract price. - Require volunteers to pay the vendor directly; municipalities would not be required to handle purchase funds. - Apply only to unpaid/volunteer personnel (paid EMS excluded in committee discussion).
Votes and status
- SF1491: laid over for further consideration (no final vote recorded in transcript).
