AR HB1576

Appropriates $1,000,000 to the Department of Rural Services for planning grants to volunteer fire departments for fiscal year 2015-2016.

Grants are intended to support statewide planning efforts to lower Public Protection Classification (PPC) ratings as determined by the Insurance Service Office (ISO).

Department of Rural Services, in conjunction with the Rural Fire Departments Study Committee, shall establish rules including matching requirements for grant funds and guidelines for hiring consultants to provide technical assistance to volunteer fire departments.

Grant provisions are effective only from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, with an emergency clause declaring effectiveness on July 1, 2015 as essential to agency operations.

Funds must comply with state purchasing laws, accounting procedures, revenue stabilization laws, and regulations of the Department of Finance and Administration.