SB 1159 Summary

• Establishes that fire districts forming separate legal entities through joint powers agreements may use titles such as "fire authority," "fire and medical authority," or "ambulance authority" to identify themselves, with these titles reserved exclusively for such entities.

• Modifies financial reporting requirements for fire districts by allowing three-member boards to review reconciled balance sheet accounts and monthly financial reports every two months instead of monthly.

• Requires fire districts that report likely violations of financial requirements or adverse operational impacts to complete a study of merger, consolidation, or joint operating alternatives within 60 days and present findings at a special public meeting.

• Allows fire districts to participate in joint powers agreements with municipalities, counties, and cities without duration limits, expanding cooperative authority to include emergency medical services and ambulance transportation.

• Clarifies that joint powers authorities formed by fire districts are political subdivisions with taxing immunity and authority to issue general obligation bonds subject to voter approval and existing statutory limitations.