Reducing cost for Volunteer Fire and EMS supplies

HB 2986, introduced in West Virginia's 2025 legislative session, creates a central purchasing program to reduce costs for volunteer fire departments and emergency medical services (EMS) first responders. The bill amends state code to authorize department secretaries to develop rules enabling bulk or discounted purchasing of essential supplies. This program would directly affect volunteer fire and EMS organizations by potentially lowering their operational costs through centralized procurement. The bill focuses on administrative implementation rather than new funding, requiring departments to establish the purchasing mechanism through rulemaking. It remains in committee referral as of March 2025.