The proposed bill enacts sections 9.51 and 9.511 of the Revised Code, mandating that all municipal corporations and townships provide firefighting and emergency medical services within their jurisdictions. The bill outlines that these services can be delivered directly by the municipalities or townships, through districts or joint districts, or via contracts as permitted by existing law. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not grant general authority to provide these services beyond what is already established in the law.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Fire and EMS Shared Services Reimbursement Grant Program, which will be administered by the state fire marshal. This program allows eligible townships and municipal corporations to receive grants to reimburse certain expenses related to joining districts or councils of governments, or entering into new contracts for eligible services. The reimbursement is capped at fifty percent of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of one hundred thousand dollars, and municipalities can only receive one reimbursement under the program. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.