This bill authorizes municipalities in Iowa to establish length of service award programs for volunteer fire fighters, volunteer emergency medical care providers, and reserve peace officers. The governing body of each municipality is required to consult with the relevant department heads to create guidelines for eligibility, vesting, and distribution of awards, which will be treated as tax-deferred benefits under the Internal Revenue Code.

Additionally, the bill creates a length of service award program grant fund under the control of the Department of Revenue, with an initial appropriation of $1.5 million from the sports wagering receipts fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. Each subsequent fiscal year, funds will be transferred to maintain a balance of $1.5 million in the grant fund. The Department of Revenue will establish a grant application process that allows municipalities to receive matching funds, up to $300 per award recipient per year, to support their length of service award programs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 8.57I