House Bill No. introduced by S. Gist and S. Demarais establishes a Fire Department Health and Safety Grant Program aimed at enhancing the health and safety of firefighters in Montana. The bill creates a special revenue account for the grant program, which will be funded through charitable donations and application fees. Fire departments, companies, or districts can apply for grants up to $10,000 for purchasing safety equipment and materials that improve firefighter health and safety. The bill prioritizes funding for departments with smaller budgets, those located 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 direct funding without the need for a biennial legislative appropriation. The bill also outlines the application process, which includes a nonrefundable $10 fee, and grants the disaster and emergency services division the authority to administer the program and establish rules for its implementation. 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: 17-7-502