The bill amends West Virginia Code §8-15-8b to increase the annual allowance for volunteer and part-volunteer fire companies and departments to spend on educational and training supplies and fire prevention promotional materials from $500 to $5,000. This change aims to enhance the resources available for training and education, thereby improving the effectiveness of fire protection services provided by these organizations.

In addition to the increase in funding for educational purposes, the bill maintains existing regulations regarding the use of funds received from the Municipal Pensions and Protection Fund and the Fire Protection Fund. It stipulates that these funds must be deposited into a dedicated bank account and outlines various authorized expenditures, including personal protective equipment, operational expenses, and insurance premiums. The bill also emphasizes the importance of record retention for financial accountability, requiring fire companies and departments to keep all relevant invoices and payment records for five years.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-15-8b
Engrossed Version: 8-15-8b
Enrolled Version: 8-15-8b