HB25 Summary

• Establishes legislative findings that volunteer fire departments are public entities performing a public purpose in providing fire protection services.

• Authorizes volunteer fire departments to expend restricted funds for kitchen equipment (refrigeration, cooking equipment, microwaves) and electrolyte replacement or sports drinks, water, and similar liquids for volunteer firefighters on fire calls or during training.

• Allows volunteer fire departments to reimburse volunteer firefighters up to the standard state employee mileage rate for actual mileage when using personal vehicles to travel from home or employment to fire calls and return.

• Requires mileage reimbursement claims to be submitted with signed statements by firefighters and approved by the fire chief or assistant fire chief, with payment authorization by recorded vote at a regular board meeting.

• Takes effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.