HB22-1194 Summary

• Amends the Local Firefighter Safety and Disease Prevention Fund to allow direct distribution of protective equipment and training to fire departments without requiring grant applications and peer review processes.

• The Division shall prioritize fire departments identified as having the greatest need for assistance when distributing equipment, paying for training, or providing reimbursements.

• Transfers $5 million from the General Fund to the Local Firefighter Safety and Disease Prevention Fund within three days of the effective date.

• Allows the Division to use transferred funds for purposes authorized under the section prior to January 1, 2022, if it cannot use the full amount as otherwise required.

• Funds consist of appropriations by the General Assembly and all private and public moneys received through gifts, grants, or donations, with unused funds remaining in the account rather than reverting to the General Fund.