Bill > SB20

This bill addresses funding and support for volunteer fire departments and emergency medical services (EMS) units in West Virginia through several key provisions. It establishes a new Fire Service Recruitment and Retention Fund to provide grants to volunteer fire companies for recruiting and retaining firefighters, including implementing length of service award programs. The bill raises the policy surcharge on fire and casualty insurance policies from 0.55% to 1%, with the collected funds to be distributed as follows: 64% to the Fire Protection Fund, 22% to the Fire Service Equipment and Training Fund, and 14% to the new Recruitment and Retention Fund. Additionally, the bill mandates that any increased costs or expenditures to volunteer fire departments resulting from legislative rules shall be funded by the State Fire Commission, and similarly, increased costs for EMS units will be funded by the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health. The State Fire Commission is required to create a grant program with considerations such as the number of emergency calls, activities, revenues, and assets of fire companies. The bill also requires volunteer fire departments to implement the State Auditor's West Virginia Checkbook fiscal reporting system by January 1, 2027, to remain eligible for funding, and increases the surplus lines insurance tax from 4.55% to 5%.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=20&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill