07/17/2025
…….how is this legislation going to affect citizens in RFPD? Just looking for understanding…..
This has been a landmark week for firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers across our Union Local and the State of Missouri. Governor Mike Kehoe has officially signed House Bill 594 and Senate Bill 71 into law — two major pieces of legislation that directly address the challenges of unstable funding, recruitment shortfalls, and the need to retain experienced personnel in our profession.
House Bill 594, sponsored by Representative Chad Perkins, gives fire protection districts and ambulance districts in St. Louis and St. Charles County the ability to ask their voters to shift from relying solely on property tax to a sales tax-based funding model. This creates a more stable, flexible, and sustainable way to fund emergency services, and reduces the tax burden on our residents. We’re grateful to Representative Perkins for his leadership and commitment to Missouri’s first responders.
Senate Bill 71, sponsored by Senator David Gregory and handled in the House by Representative Dave Hinman, focuses on the future of the profession by offering education incentives for both current and future responders. These benefits help us attract new talent into the field and reward those who stay — including extending education support to our dependents for long-term service.
We extend our sincere thanks to Governor Mike Kehoe for his leadership in advancing these critical bills, and to U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt for his years of work building strong relationships between Missouri’s first responders and our state legislators.
Our members and leadership were proud to be present for the bill signing, just as we’ve been present at every step of this legislation’s development. Executive Vice President and Legislative Director Cory Hogan, in partnership with our allies at the Missouri State Council of Firefighters and law enforcement organizations across the state, played an essential role in making these victories possible. These new laws mark a significant step forward for Missouri’s public safety professionals and the communities we serve every day.
