HB 1156 Summary

• County fiscal bodies may adopt ordinances authorizing fire departments to establish optional fire services fees for eligible properties (homesteads, rental properties with 1-4 units, and mobile homes).

• Persons who pay the optional fee cannot be charged additional fees or service charges for specific fire protection service runs or responses to their property during the year the fee is paid.

• Fire service fees that are more than 90 days delinquent constitute a lien against real property, with the lien superior to all liens except tax liens, and may be collected like delinquent taxes.

• Delinquent fire service fee liens are not enforceable against subsequent property owners unless recorded before the property conveyance, and must be released upon written demand from a purchaser or title insurance company.

• Optional fire services fees are voluntary and fire departments cannot limit or refuse services to properties where the fee is not paid.