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Bill

Bill

HB 311

FUNDS/FUNDING: Increases the dedication of a certain portion of insurance premium assessments into the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Operating Dedicated Fund Account (EG +$726,897 SG RV See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Kerner

HB 311 increases municipal fire and police operations funding by $726,897 annually by redirecting insurance premium assessment revenue into a dedicated civil service fund account.

Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Finance.
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Bill Summary · HB 311

Legislative bill overview

HB 311 redirects a portion of insurance premium assessments to increase funding for the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Operating Dedicated Fund Account by approximately $726,897. This dedicated funding mechanism ensures that fire and police civil service operations receive more stable, predictable revenue independent of general appropriations processes.

Why is this important

Municipal fire and police departments rely on adequate operational funding for staffing, training, equipment, and emergency response capabilities. By dedicating insurance premium assessment revenue to this fund, the bill creates a more reliable funding stream that isn't subject to annual budget competition, potentially improving service delivery and employee stability in these essential services.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost passthrough: Dedicating insurance premium assessment funds may be viewed by some as indirectly increasing insurance costs for consumers or businesses if insurers pass assessment increases to policyholders
  • Funding mechanism equity: Tying fire and police funding to insurance assessments creates a revenue dependency on insurance market dynamics rather than general tax revenues, potentially disadvantaging these services if assessment revenue fluctuates
  • Budget flexibility concerns: Dedicated funds reduce legislative flexibility in overall budget allocation during fiscal emergencies or economic downturns when other priorities compete for resources

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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