Bill > SB233

This bill proposes changes to how funds are distributed from the Fire Programs Fund, which is a fund established to support fire services. Instead of the current method of distributing these funds to local governments based on population, this bill calls for the Department of Fire Programs to create a work group to study and recommend a new funding formula. This work group will include representatives from various state agencies, fire service organizations, and local government associations, and will consider factors like the financial needs of localities providing firefighting services, their population and size, and how other states fund their fire services. The ultimate goal is to develop a formula that better addresses the needs of less populated and rural areas, and the Department will report its findings and recommendations by November 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB233