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 materials that benefit firefighter health and safety. The maximum grant amount is set at $10,000 per department per year, with priority given to those with smaller budgets, located in rural areas, and addressing broader 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. An application fee of $10 is required for grant applications, which will also be deposited into the grant account. The bill provides rulemaking authority to the disaster and emergency services division of the Department of Military Affairs to administer the program. 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: 17-7-502