Senate Bill 186 aims to enhance the existing service award program administered by the Department of Administration for volunteer firefighters and emergency responders by introducing grants for training completion awards. Specifically, the bill establishes a new completion service award for volunteer firefighters who complete 60 hours of training, providing them with a one-time payment of $500. To qualify for these grants, the municipality must enact an ordinance that ensures a 100 percent match for the awards. Additionally, any excess funds received by volunteer fire departments or companies beyond what is used for awards must be returned to the Department of Administration for deposit in the general fund.

The bill also mandates that the Department of Administration report to the legislature in the sixth, seventh, and eighth years following the program's implementation, detailing the number of individuals who received grants and how many remain active firefighters in Wisconsin. Other amendments include clarifications on eligibility, contributions, and the administration of length-of-service awards, ensuring that the program is effectively managed and that the benefits are appropriately allocated to volunteer firefighters and emergency responders.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 16.25(2), 16.25, 16.25(3)(a), 16.25(3)(b), 16.25(3)(c), 16.25(3)(d), 16.25(3)(e), 16.25(3)(f), 16.25(3)(j), 16.25(3)(k), 16.25(4)(b)