LEGISLATIVE FISCAL OFFICE
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note On: SB 328 SLS 24RS 534
Bill Text Version: ENROLLED
Opp. Chamb. Action:
Proposed Amd.:
Sub. Bill For.:
Date: May 22, 2024 8:19 PM Author: REESE
Dept./Agy.: Department of Agriculture and Forestry
Subject: Volunteer Firefighting Training Analyst: Richie Anderson
AGRICULTURE/FOREST DEPT EN +$420,000 FF EX See Note Page 1 of 1
Provides relative to training for volunteer firefighters on forest fire and wildfire suppression. (gov sig)
Proposed law requires the state forester within the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) to establish a
training program for volunteer firefighters on proper wildland fighting practices and procedures.
EXPENDITURES 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 5 -YEAR TOTAL
State Gen. Fd. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Agy. Self-Gen. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Ded./Other $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Federal Funds $420,000 $420,000 $420,000 SEE BELOW SEE BELOW $1,260,000
Local Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Annual Total $420,000 $420,000 $420,000 $1,260,000
REVENUES 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 5 -YEAR TOTAL
State Gen. Fd. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Agy. Self-Gen. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Ded./Other $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Federal Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Local Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Annual Total $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
EXPENDITURE EXPLANATION
Proposed law would increase Federal expenditures by $420,000 at the Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF)
annually beginning in FY 25. Proposed law requires LDAF to implement a training program for volunteer firefighters on forest
fire and wildfire suppression. LDAF estimates the cost of this training program at $420,000 annually and reports potentially
funding the costs through a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) grant for the initial three years with the intent to
continue applying for these federal grants to fund the program after the first three years.
LDAF internal training includes access to online National Wildlife Coordinating Group courses including required courses:
Firefighter Training, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, and Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service. The department
also conducts training for Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher and a heavy equipment academy. The department
is incorporating ways to include external participants including volunteer firefighters in these training programs. LDAF would
offer basic courses quarterly and intermediate courses twice yearly in each of the six administrative regions. Advanced
classes will be offered yearly in a centralized location. Additionally, LDAF will conduct a two-day tabletop exercise training
event that is anticipated to be held annually.
Note: According to the State Fire Marshall there are 11,888 volunteer firefighters in Louisiana.
REVENUE EXPLANATION
There is no anticipated direct material effect on governmental revenues as a result of this measure.
Senate Dual Referral Rules House
x 13.5.1 >= $100,000 Annual Fiscal Cost {S & H} 6.8(F)(1) >= $100,000 SGF Fiscal Cost {H & S}
13.5.2 >= $500,000 Annual Tax or Fee Patrice Thomas
6.8(G) >= $500,000 Tax or Fee Increase
Change {S & H} or a Net Fee Decrease {S} Deputy Fiscal Officer