IFCA Members,

I am writing to all of you on behalf of the board of directors and our legislative committee.  The 2021 legislative session has begun and we are already seeing both good and concerning legislation when it comes to the fire service.  

Right now we are watching a couple pieces of legislation that has our attention.  The first one is H0016 which is a bill that may impact how statewide emergencies are declared.  The next one is S1021 which is a property tax reform bill.  S1021 - Draft.pdf

This bill is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Local Government & Taxation Committee this Thursday.  

It appears that this legislative session there will be numerous bills that pertain to property tax reform and this could have a direct impact on the funds that your fire district or municipality will receive.  Any decrease in funding will have a negative impact on services your provide and will weaken your ability to protect your community.

What we need from all of our members is for you to meet with your fire commissioners or city administration ASAP to determine what impact this property tax reform may have on your agency.  This information will be critical as we work with other stakeholders to educate legislators on these bills.  In the future we maybe asking our members to contact your legislators and ask them for their support.  We all know these bills can move quickly, so time will be of the essence, so please watch your emails.  

Please know that the legislative committee and your board of directors are working hard to represent our chiefs and the agencies your represent, but we need input and help from all of you if we are going to be successful.  

Travis A. Myklebust, President, Idaho Fire Chiefs Association