A state law aimed at allowing veteran St. Louis (MO) firefighters to live outside city limits was upheld Tuesday by the Missouri Supreme Court.
The Associated Press reports (http://bit.ly/UH5zxm) that St. Louis requires most municipal employees to live within the city. In 2010, state lawmakers passed a law that excused firefighters from a residency requirement after seven years on the job if the local school district is not fully accredited. The measure requires firefighters to live close enough that they can respond to emergency incidents within an hour.
Last year, a Cole County judge ruled that the firefighter residency law violated equal protection requirements and a Missouri Constitution provision that allows cities to set the powers, duties, and pay of their workers. The Supreme Court overturned that decision in a 6-0 ruling and concluded the state Legislature can approve laws affecting residency rules.
Read more about the ruling at http://bit.ly/UH5zxm.
