S.B. No. 868 amends Section 614.102 of the Government Code to establish a new allocation requirement for funds appropriated to the rural volunteer fire department assistance program. The bill mandates that at least 10 percent of the appropriations for each state fiscal year be specifically allocated to volunteer fire departments located in areas classified as high risk for large wildfires. If the total amount of assistance requested by these high-risk departments is less than the allocated 10 percent, the remaining funds can be redirected to fulfill other assistance requests.

The new provision will only apply to appropriations made from the volunteer fire department assistance fund on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. This legislative change aims to enhance support for volunteer fire departments in vulnerable areas, thereby improving their capacity to respond to wildfire threats.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Insurance Code 2007.002, Government Code 614.102 (Insurance Code 2007, Government Code 614)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 614.102 (Insurance Code 2007, Government Code 614)
Engrossed: Government Code 614.102 (Insurance Code 2007, Government Code 614)
House Committee Report: Government Code 614.102 (Insurance Code 2007, Government Code 614)
Enrolled: Government Code 614.102 (Insurance Code 2007, Government Code 614)