A bill for an act requiring the state fire marshal to conduct a study on the consolidation of fire protection services.

SSB 1206 requires Iowa's state fire marshal to study whether consolidating fire protection services into countywide systems would improve coverage and response times. The study must analyze costs, staffing needs, equipment, communication systems, and compare Iowa's approach with other Midwest states, while consulting fire chiefs, city/county representatives, and legislative members. It specifically examines impacts on the state's most and least populous counties, as defined by the 2020 census. The fire marshal must submit findings to the legislature by June 30, 2026, without mandating any policy changes. This bill affects all Iowa counties and their fire protection systems, focusing on gathering data for potential future decisions.