Appropriation; Insurance Department to assist certain fire departments for costs of specialized washing machines to clean firefighters' PPE.

HB 138 appropriates $100,000 from the state general fund to the Mississippi Department of Insurance to help fire departments in cities with over 100,000 residents purchase specialized washing machines. These machines must meet specific safety standards (NFPA 1851) and use approved cleaning solutions to effectively remove contaminants from firefighters' protective gear. The funding covers costs for heavy-duty, commercial-grade machines designed for advanced cleaning of turnout gear, targeting fiscal year 2026. This bill directly affects large-city fire departments by providing financial assistance for equipment critical to firefighter health and safety.