Bill > HB1078

This bill establishes the Rural Volunteer Firefighter Clothing Allowance Grants Act, which creates a new program to support rural volunteer firefighters in Oklahoma by providing clothing allowance grants. The legislation creates an Oklahoma Firefighter Clothing Allowance Revolving Fund within the State Treasury, funded through appropriations, donations, and grants, to be administered by the Oklahoma State Board of Agriculture. To be eligible for a grant, volunteer firefighters must be members of a Certified Oklahoma Fire Department, respond to at least 75% of fire department calls, complete 24 hours of firefighter training annually, and submit an application by the last business day in July. The Fire Chief must certify application requirements and submit them by the last business day in August, with grants to be distributed by the last business day in September. The bill sets specific criteria for grant allocation, including equal weighting of factors like department certification, response rates, and training completion. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry will provide administrative support and promulgate rules as approved by the Board. The legislation aims to protect firefighter safety, incentivize recruitment and retention of rural volunteer firefighters, and help alleviate some of their personal equipment costs. The act will become effective on November 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1078&Session=2600