This bill appropriates $5,000,000 from the General Fund for the fiscal year 2025-26 to the Department of Administrative Services specifically for Program 245. The funds are designated for state aid to enhance interoperable communication among volunteer departments, as defined in section 35-901. The appropriation is intended to support a grant program that will provide mobile radios, programming, and installation of necessary equipment, with grants requiring a one-to-one match from local funds. Additionally, no single applicant can receive more than $3,500,000 in grant funding.

The bill also declares an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage and approval. This urgency underscores the importance of improving communication capabilities for volunteer departments, which can enhance their operational effectiveness and response capabilities.