Bill > HB2531

This bill establishes a new grant program to support rescue squads and volunteer fire departments in Tennessee, aiming to improve their ability to respond to emergencies. Specifically, it creates a "rescue squad grant program" that will provide annual grants to selected rescue squads for the purchase of firefighting equipment and rescue equipment, with "firefighting equipment" defined as gear used to fight fires and protect firefighters (but not vehicles) and "rescue equipment" defined as gear used for rescue services or other emergency responses (also excluding vehicles). The bill also amends an existing program to provide grants to volunteer fire departments for firefighting equipment and training, with a provision that funds for these programs will be included in the state's annual budget. The Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance will be responsible for creating rules to evaluate grant applications and decide which departments and squads receive the awards, with the goal of using all appropriated funds each year, and any unspent funds will carry over to the next year. This new legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2531&ga=114