Bill > HB901

This bill creates a fire department health and safety grant program to support local fire departments by establishing a special revenue account funded through charitable donations and application fees. Fire departments, companies, or districts can apply for grants up to $10,000 per year to purchase safety equipment that benefits firefighter health and safety, such as personal protective equipment, saunas, shower facilities, and equipment cleaning devices. The disaster and emergency services division of the department of military affairs will administer the program, prioritizing grants for departments with smaller budgets, those in rural areas, and those with identified training or safety needs that impact their entire roster. Applicants must submit a nonrefundable $10 application fee and provide an itemized list of intended purchases. The division can retain up to 1% of each grant for administrative costs and will have rulemaking authority to implement the program. Grants will only be awarded if sufficient funds are available in the account, and the program is set to become effective on July 1, 2025. The bill also updates the state's statutory appropriations list to include this new grant program's funding mechanism.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3333