HB 429 -- FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS

CO-SPONSORS:  Hosmer, Kelly (27), Hoppe

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Local
Government and Related Matters by a vote of 13 to 5.

This bill allows the governing body of any fire protection
district or municipality having a municipal fire department,
upon voter approval, to impose a sales tax of up to 0.25% on all
retail sales made within the fire protection district or
municipality.  The tax is to be used exclusively for the
operation of the fire protection district or municipal fire
department.  Under current law, this tax is only authorized for
Raytown.

FISCAL NOTE:  Total Estimated Income to General Revenue Fund is
Unknown for FY 1999, FY 2000, and FY 2001.  The number of
eligible municipalities that would receive voter approval to
impose a fire protection sales tax and at what rate is
indeterminable.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this is the only source of
revenue available.  Many areas are growing and need fire
protection.  Citizens would have to vote on the tax.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Hosmer; Central
Jackson County Fire Protection District; and Missouri State
Council of Fire Fighters.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Steve Bauer, Legislative Analyst

HB 429 -- Fire Protection Districts

Co-Sponsors:  Hosmer, Kelly (27), Hoppe

This bill allows the governing body of any fire protection
district or municipality having a municipal fire department,
upon voter approval, to impose a sales tax of up to 0.25% on all
retail sales made within the fire protection district or
municipality.  The tax is to be used exclusively for the
operation of the fire protection district or municipal fire
department.  Under current law, this tax is only authorized for
Raytown.