HB 1733 Summary

• Appropriates $50,000 from the General Improvement Fund to the Department of Rural Services for grants to fire departments, counties, municipalities, and other eligible entities for fire protection, search and rescue, emergency medical services, and emergency management programs.

• Authorizes the Department to adopt new rules and regulations to implement the appropriations without restrictions from requirements applicable to other programs currently administered.

• Permits recipient institutions and agencies to supplement state funds with federal grants, donations, and unobligated cash income, provided that existing maintenance and general operations funds cannot be used for these appropriated purposes.

• Requires compliance with state purchasing laws, accounting procedures, revenue stabilization laws, and fiscal control regulations promulgated by the Department of Finance and Administration in disbursement of funds.

• Declares an emergency effective date of July 1, 2011, citing the constitutional requirement for one-year appropriation periods and the essential nature of these funds to agency operations.