Chairperson Bowers opened the hearing on HB2624.  Jason Long, staff revisor, presented a briefing on the bill and addressed questions from the Committee.  (Attachment 1)

Representative Timothy Johnson testified in support of HB2624.  Representative Johnson explained Leavenworth County no longer has a fire district due to the growth in the City of Lansing.  He indicated the smaller areas wanted their own equipment so the county distributed the equipment to the new areas, creating liability concerns.  (Attachment 2)

Mr. Roger Marrs testified in support of HB2624.  Mr. Marrs explained that the territory contained within the fire district has been completely excluded, leaving no property owners within the fire district to petition to meet the 60% requirement needed to obtain authority for the board to pursue the disorganization option set out in statute.  Mr. Marrs responded to questions from the Committee.  (Attachment 3)

Chairperson Bowers closed the hearing on HB2624.