MS HB978

Establishes the "County and Municipal Fire and Emergency Safety Fund" in the State Treasury to be administered by the Department of Insurance.

Department of Insurance shall promulgate regulations for grant applications, award procedures, and necessary forms for the fund.

Fund shall consist of legislative appropriations, federal and state grants, and public or private sources, with accrued interest and unspent balances remaining in the fund rather than reverting to the General Fund.

Grants shall be awarded to county and municipal governing authorities implementing emergency response and fire safety programs, distributed proportionately based on local population.

Encourages counties and municipalities to enter into interlocal and regional agreements to receive grants; effective July 1, 2015.