FIRST RESPONDER DEFINITION - 67.145

This act defines "first responder" for purposes of a provision barring political subdivisions from prohibiting first responders from engaging in political activity or serving in a public office. First responder is defined as any person trained and authorized by law or rule to render emergency medical assistance or treatment. First responders may include emergency first responders, police officers, sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, firefighters, ambulance attendants and attendant drivers, emergency medical technicians, mobile emergency medical technicians, emergency medical technician-paramedics, registered nurses, or physicians.

This provision is identical to a provision of the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SB 732 (2016) and the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SCS/SB 765 (2016).

SHELTERED WORKSHOP COOPERATION - 70.210

Under current law, political subdivisions may cooperate with other political subdivisions, federal or state agencies, other states and their political subdivisions, and private entities for the construction, acquisition, or operation of a facility or for a common service.

"Political subdivision" is defined for purposes of the provisions allowing cooperation to include, among other entities, libraries, road, drainage, sewer, levee, and fire districts, soil and water conservation districts, and art museum boards.

This act adds sheltered workshop boards to the definition of "political subdivision".

This provision is identical to a provision of the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SB 732 (2016), SB 871 (2016), SB 926 (2016), HCS/SB 869 (2016), HB 751 (2015), and a provision of HCS/SB 364 (2015) and is substantially similar to a provision of SB 506 (2015).

SHELTERED WORKSHOP PROPERTY TAX LEVIES - 99.845

Under current law, county boards, upon voter approval, may levy a property tax for the purpose of establishing and maintaining county sheltered workshops, residences, facilities, and/or other related services. This act would prohibit the adoption of any tax increment financing from superseding, altering, or reducing the sheltered workshop levy.

This provision is identical to a provision of the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SB 867 (2016), SCS/HCS/HBs 1434 & 1600 (2016), SCS/SB 805 (2016), and HCS/SB 869 (2016).

MEGHAN LUECKE