Senate Bill 1865 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 68-102-154, by replacing the existing section with new definitions and the establishment of grant programs aimed at supporting volunteer fire departments and rescue squads. The bill defines "firefighting equipment" and "rescue equipment," clarifying that these terms do not include vehicles. It also defines "rescue squad" and "volunteer fire department" to ensure clarity in the context of the grant programs. The bill introduces two specific grant programs: one for volunteer firefighter equipment and training, and another for rescue squads, with the intention of providing annual grants to selected departments and squads for purchasing necessary equipment.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the total amount of grants awarded each year under the volunteer firefighter program must be equally divided among the three grand divisions of Tennessee. It expresses the legislative intent to fund these programs through a sum-sufficient appropriation in the annual budget and assigns the commissioner of commerce and insurance the responsibility of establishing guidelines for grant evaluation and disbursement. The commissioner is also tasked with ensuring that all appropriated funds are utilized each year, with any unspent funds remaining available for future use rather than reverting to the general fund. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-102-154