The proposed bill establishes a Fire Department Health and Safety Grant Program aimed at enhancing the health and safety of firefighters in Montana. It creates a special revenue account within the state special revenue fund, where funds will be deposited from charitable donations and application fees. Fire departments, companies, or districts created under Title 7, chapter 33, will be eligible to apply for grants, which can be used for purchasing safety equipment and other materials that benefit firefighter health and safety. Each grant awarded will be capped at $10,000, and applicants must pay a nonrefundable application fee of $10. The bill prioritizes funding for departments with smaller budgets, those in rural areas, and those that can demonstrate specific training or safety needs.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 17-7-502 of the Montana Code Annotated to include the new grant program as a statutory appropriation, allowing for the direct disbursement of funds without the need for a biennial legislative appropriation. The division responsible for administering the grant program will have the authority to adopt rules for its implementation and may retain up to 1% of the grant funds for administrative costs. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 17-7-502
HB0901_1(1): 17-7-502
HB0901_1(2): 17-7-502
HB0901_1(3): 17-7-502
HB0901_1(4): 17-7-502
HB0901_1(5): 17-7-502
HB0901_1: 17-7-502
HB0901_X(1): 17-7-502
HB0901_X(2): 17-7-502
HB0901_X(3): 17-7-502
HB0901_X(4): 17-7-502
HB0901_X(5): 17-7-502
HB0901_X(6): 17-7-502
HB0901_X(7): 17-7-502
HB0901_X(8): 17-7-502
HB0901_X: 17-7-502