HB2122 Summary

• Establishes the Fire Rating Reduction Plan Pilot Program beginning in fiscal year 2018, funded by uncertified Acts 1991, No. 833 moneys from fire departments inactive for over 5 years, to be transferred to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management.

• Requires participating fire departments to use program funds to improve their public protection classification system rating to at least 6 or better through acquisition of firefighting equipment, vehicles, and related services.

• Authorizes the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management to select eligible counties based on criteria including number of municipal, volunteer, and nonprofit fire departments; availability of fire protection services; and geographic location.

• Requires participating fire departments to submit annual reports by January 31 each year evaluating program effectiveness by measuring administrative costs and improvements to classification ratings.

• Establishes the program as temporary, expiring on July 1, 2021, unless the General Assembly votes to continue it.