HB 657 -- FIRE PROTECTION

CO-SPONSORS:  May (108), O'Toole

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Local
Government and Related Matters by a vote of 15 to 3.

This bill requires municipal fire departments and fire
protection districts that enter into mutual aid agreements
between paid departments to have 2 appropriately equipped
standby persons present outside a major burning structure to
respond to a mutual aid request.  Mutual aid agreements must
contain provisions determining the amount of manpower necessary
at a fire scene in order to initiate the standby personnel
provision.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this bill gives protection to
fire fighters who go into a burning building.  Fire fighters who
are outside can keep track of who is in the building.

Testifying for the bill were Representative May (108); and
Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Steve Bauer, Legislative Analyst

HB 657 -- Fire Protection

Co-Sponsors:  May (108), O'Toole

This bill requires municipal fire departments and fire
protection districts that enter into mutual aid agreements
between paid departments to have 2 appropriately equipped
standby persons present outside a major burning structure to
respond to a mutual aid request.  Mutual aid agreements must
contain provisions determining the amount of manpower necessary
at a fire scene in order to initiate the standby personnel
provision.