CT HB05666

Volunteer fire department chiefs in distressed municipalities must submit annual reports to the State Fire Administrator by January 1, 2022 and each year thereafter detailing the average number of firefighters enrolled in Firefighter I certification and recruit training over the preceding four years (excluding 2020).

State Fire Administrator shall award grants to distressed municipalities with volunteer fire departments starting in fiscal year 2022-2023, with grant amounts calculated by multiplying the average cost of a Firefighter I certification program at regional fire schools by the average number of volunteers from each municipality enrolled in such training.

Grants are designated to cover costs related to providing Firefighter I certification and recruit training for volunteer firefighters at regional fire schools.

State Fire Administrator must submit an annual report by February 1, 2022 and thereafter to the joint standing committee on appropriations summarizing the reports received from volunteer fire departments and the average cost of Firefighter I training programs at regional fire schools.

Legislation becomes effective July 1, 2021.