MS HB189

Establishes the Rural Fire Equipment Acquisition Assistance Program administered by the Department of Insurance to assist rural counties and municipalities in acquiring fire equipment including breathing apparatuses, fire hoses, rescue tools, communications equipment, and fire fighting ensembles

Creates the Rural Fire Equipment Fund with $650,000 appropriated, with funds divided equally among Mississippi's four congressional districts and unexpended amounts carried forward annually

Requires eligible counties and municipalities to pledge matching funds equal to at least one-tenth (1/10) of requested amounts for up to ten years from local ad valorem taxes or other available sources, and municipalities must document contracts providing fire protection in rural areas with populations of 2,500 or less

Establishes a review committee composed of the Commissioner of Insurance, State Fire Coordinator, Rating Bureau Director, and State Fire Academy Director to determine eligibility based on applications submitted by county boards of supervisors

Requires the Department of Insurance to maintain separate records of all distributions and equipment purchases, notify eligible entities of the program, adopt implementing regulations, and file periodic reports to the Legislature detailing fund distributions and expenditures