The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend current statutes by appropriating $6.5 million from the state General Fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) specifically for a fire incident management grant program. This funding would be allocated with a cap of $250,000 for ADOA's administrative costs, including audits of grant recipients. The remaining funds would be designated for grants to municipal fire departments and fire districts to acquire hardware and software that facilitate a secure incident management platform, standardized incident command, and a collaboration and communications solution.
Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for the incident management system, including ensuring a defined chain of command, common terminology, and safety for first responders. It mandates that the system allows for resource tracking, secure messaging, and collaboration during incidents, even in areas without internet access. Municipal fire departments and fire districts would be able to apply for grants on a first-come, first-served basis, with the grants covering the full costs of the system for three years.