The bill establishes a new Rural Emergency Response Enhancement Program, which will be administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This program aims to provide grants to small rural police departments and volunteer fire departments to enhance their emergency response capabilities through Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training. To qualify for a grant, these departments must demonstrate a need for EMT training in their service areas and commit to deploying trained personnel. HHS will prioritize applications based on the demonstrated need and can award grants that cover various costs associated with EMT training.

Additionally, the bill creates a Rural Emergency Response Enhancement Fund within the state treasury, which will be used exclusively for awarding grants under the program. From July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2030, the bill appropriates up to $100,000 each fiscal year from the general fund to support this initiative. Awarded departments are required to submit annual reports detailing the number of personnel trained and the program's impact on emergency services. The program is set to be evaluated by HHS, with a report due to the General Assembly by December 31, 2029, and it will be repealed on July 1, 2030. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 8.33