This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish a new section, 15A-11-11a, which creates the Fire Service Recruitment and Retention Fund. The fund is intended to provide grants to volunteer and part-volunteer fire companies and departments to aid in their recruitment and retention efforts. The State Fire Commission is tasked with creating a grant program that will consider various factors, such as the number of emergency calls responded to and the financial status of the fire departments, when awarding grants. Additionally, the bill mandates that the State Fire Commission verify the eligibility of these departments with the Legislative Auditor and allows for rulemaking to implement the provisions of this section.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the existing surcharge on fire and casualty insurance policies, raising it to one percent and reallocating the proceeds. The funds collected will be distributed as follows: 64% to the Fire Protection Fund, 22% to the Fire Service Equipment and Training Fund, and 14% to the newly established Fire Service Recruitment and Retention Fund. The bill also includes provisions for penalties for non-compliance with the collection and remittance of the surcharge, ensuring that volunteer fire departments meet specific eligibility requirements to receive funding.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 33-3-33, 15A-11-11a