HS/HCS/SCS/SB 842 - This act provides that no cause of action shall arise against any firefighting entity which donates surplus equipment if such equipment was in working order and passed inspection at the time of the donation.

The act also provides that, beginning July 1, 2000, two-tenths of 1% of the premium taxes levied on insurance companies shall be credited to the Fire Education Fund. Currently, 3% of the amount collected which exceeds the premium taxes deposited in 1997 are credited to the fund.

The act authorizes a new grant program to local firefighting entities from the department of public safety to purchase equipment or build or improve facilities.

The act requires that all high-rise buildings comply with National Fire Protection Association standards for sprinkler systems by 2012. Implementation plans for such upgrades are to be approved by state fire marshal.

St. Louis County is authorized to contract with local governments to provide fire and ambulance service. Cities and fire protection districts located in St. Louis or Jackson Counties are authorized, with voter approval, to impose sales tax of up to 1/2% if they also reduce property taxes.
DAVID TALLMAN

HA 1 - ALLOWS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS IN THIRD CLASS COUNTIES TO IMPOSE A SALES TAX OF UP TO 1%.