SB 1297 Summary

• Appropriates $6,500,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Department of Administration for a fire incident management grant program.

• Allocates up to $250,000 for program administration and audits, with remaining funds distributed as grants to municipal fire departments and fire districts for hardware and software.

• Requires grant-funded systems to provide standardized incident command platforms based on FEMA standards, secure messaging, resource tracking, firefighter safety monitoring, and smartphone-based applications for first responders.

• Awards grants on a first-come, first-served basis, fully funding costs for three years; unencumbered portions must be returned within one year and redistributed for additional grants.

• Requires a report to the legislature by December 31, 2025 listing all applicants and award recipients with amounts; exempts the appropriation from lapsing provisions.