MN SF2197

Establishes an advisory task force to study fire protection and first responder services, focusing on reducing service delivery costs and identifying best management practices.

Task force will examine required service levels by community type, current cost factors, cost-reduction options including alternative service delivery models, equitable cost-sharing formulas, and efficient use of special service districts.

Membership comprises 15 members: two state senators (one from each party), two state representatives (one from each party), three city representatives (including officials from cities under 5,000 and under 1,000 population), three town representatives, two fire chiefs association members, and two ambulance association members.

Appointing authorities must name members within 45 days of enactment or by July 1, 2012, whichever is earlier, with appointments reported to the senate majority leader.

Task force must report findings, recommendations, and draft legislation to relevant legislative committees by February 1, 2013, and expires February 15, 2013, or upon report submission, whichever is later.