Assembly Bill 187 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, municipalities 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 on the program's effectiveness, detailing the number of individuals who received grants and how many remain active firefighters in Wisconsin. Various sections of the current law are amended to reflect these changes, including the creation of new statutory language to define the completion service award and outline the conditions under which grants will be provided. The bill emphasizes the importance of supporting volunteer firefighters through financial incentives for training, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of emergency services in the state.

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)