Senate Bill 649 Summary

• Appropriates $1,000,000 from the General Improvement Fund to the Department of Rural Services for grants to fire departments, counties, municipalities, and other eligible entities.

• Grant funds may be used for operating, construction, improvements, equipment, renovation, and maintenance of public buildings, community centers, memorials, parks, amphitheaters, recreation centers, fire protection facilities, and cemeteries.

• Allows the Department to adopt new rules and regulations to implement the appropriation without restriction by requirements applicable to other programs currently administered.

• Authorizes recipients to supplement state funds with grants, donations, and federal funds, but prohibits using existing maintenance and general operations funds for these purposes.

• Effective July 1, 2013 as an emergency measure necessary for essential governmental operations.