HB 2420 Summary

• Amends notice requirements for fire district mergers and consolidations to require first-class mail in sealed envelopes with text printed in twelve-point font, replacing previous mailing specifications.

• Allows fire district mergers to proceed without an election if all governing body votes required are unanimous and written consent is obtained from any single taxpayer owning 30% or more of net assessed valuation in each affected district.

• Allows fire district consolidations to proceed without an election under the same conditions: unanimous governing body votes and written consent from major taxpayers owning 30% or more of net assessed valuation in each affected district.

• Maintains existing prohibition on mergers or consolidations between noncontiguous county island fire districts (formed under section 48-851) and regular fire districts (formed under section 48-261).

• Clarifies that fire districts must reimburse counties for election expenses whether or not the merger or consolidation is approved, and limits consolidation elections to no more than once every two years.