TN HB2531

Establishes two grant programs: the volunteer firefighter equipment and training grant program for volunteer fire departments, and the rescue squad grant program for rescue squads

Grants may be used to purchase firefighting equipment, rescue equipment, or to meet local match requirements for federal grants; vehicles and fire trucks are explicitly excluded

Volunteer firefighter grant funding must be equally divided among Tennessee's three grand divisions

Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance will promulgate rules for evaluating applications and determining grant recipients; unexpended funds carry forward rather than reverting to the general fund

Effective July 1, 2026