This bill establishes a grant program within the Division of Fire Safety in the Department of Community Affairs to provide funding for thermal imaging body cameras, thermal imaging masks, and radio repeaters to qualifying fire organizations in municipalities with populations of 100,000 or more. Specifically, fire departments in municipalities with populations between 100,000 and 299,000 will receive $150,000 to be divided equally among them every three years, while those in municipalities with populations of 300,000 or more will receive the same amount every three years without division. The program aims to enhance fire safety and communication capabilities among fire departments.
Additionally, the bill mandates that the Division of Fire Safety conduct a review of the grant program every five years to ensure that qualifying fire organizations are using the most current technology available for thermal imaging and communication. The bill includes definitions for key terms such as thermal imaging body camera, thermal imaging mask, and radio repeater to clarify the equipment covered under the grant program. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.