Buenos Aires legislator proposes new funding model for volunteer firefighters

Priscila Minnaard, a provincial deputy in Buenos Aires, has introduced a bill to reform the financing structure for volunteer firefighter stations. The initiative aims to address financial instability caused by rising operational costs and delays in the transfer of national funds.

The proposal seeks to amend Law 14,761 by removing existing funding caps and linking resources directly to provincial tax collection. Specifically, the bill suggests allocating a percentage of the Property Tax (Impuesto Inmobiliario), administered by the Provincial Tax Agency (ARBA), to the stations. The plan outlines a gradual increase: 1.5% of collection in 2027, 2% in 2028, and 3% starting in 2029.

To ensure financial predictability, the project mandates that ARBA publish total distribution amounts within the first 60 days of each year, with transfers to institutions occurring on a semiannual basis. The bill was developed in consultation with the Bonaerense Federation of Volunteer Firefighter Associations.