Local Firefighter Safety Resources

The state treasurer is required to transfer $5 million from the general fund to the local firefighter safety and disease prevention fund (fund). The money is continuously appropriated to the department of public safety (department). The division of fire prevention and control (division) in the department is required to use the money transferred to directly pay for equipment and training for local and volunteer fire departments or to reimburse local and volunteer fire departments for the costs of equipment and training without requiring a grant application and review process. If the division determines it cannot use the full amount to directly pay for equipment and training, it may use the money for any purpose authorized prior to January 1, 2022, for money in the fund. The division is required to prioritize fire departments that it identifies as having the greatest need for assistance to ensure firefighter safety. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)