HB 1564 Summary

• Establishes a statewide firefighting helicopter program to be administered by the State Fire Marshal, replacing the current county-based system.

• Authorizes the State Fire Marshal to purchase, lease, or contract for firefighting helicopters, facilities, equipment, and supplies; retrofit and maintain aircraft; and establish deployment policies with state and county fire departments.

• Appropriates funds for fiscal year 2024-2025 to acquire helicopters, establish permanent full-time positions, provide staff training, and prepare the program to begin operations by July 1, 2025 (specific dollar amount blank in bill).

• Allows the State Fire Marshal to enter agreements with federal, state, or county agencies to use helicopters for non-firefighting purposes when not in use and to establish reimbursement rates for aerial firefighting services.

• Takes effect July 1, 2024, only if another bill establishing the position of State Fire Marshal is passed during the 2024 legislative session.