Assembly Bill 197 proposes an amendment to current laws regarding local property tax levy limits, specifically introducing an exemption for costs associated with regional emergency medical services. The bill defines "regional" as a service area that is at least 232 square miles or includes at least eight municipalities. Under this legislation, cities, villages, towns, or counties can levy amounts for regional emergency medical services without being subject to the existing levy limits, provided they participate in a joint emergency services district or intergovernmental agreements. Additionally, the bill stipulates that these levied amounts will not be considered when determining eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program payment.

The bill also amends existing law to clarify that certain expenditures related to regional emergency medical services, as defined in the new section 66.0602 (3) (o), will be excluded from the municipal budget calculations that affect eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program. This change aims to support local governments in funding essential emergency medical services without the constraints of levy limits, thereby enhancing public safety and emergency response capabilities in larger service areas.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 79.05(2)(c), 79.05