Appropriation; Rural Fire Truck Fund for additional round of trucks under Rural Fire Truck Acquisition Assistance Program.
Impact
The passing of HB 930 is expected to significantly bolster fire service capabilities across rural Mississippi. By equipping local governments with financial resources to purchase new fire trucks, the bill aims to ensure that these communities have the necessary tools to protect their citizens and property from fire hazards. This funding could help alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by rural departments, which often have limited budgets and resources. Furthermore, the appropriation for the Rural Fire Truck Fund reflects an ongoing commitment by the state to support public safety initiatives in less populated areas.
Summary
House Bill 930 is a legislative measure aimed at appropriating funds for the Rural Fire Truck Fund in Mississippi. Specifically, the bill allocates a total of $4,000,000 from the State General Fund for the purpose of providing an additional round of fire trucks to counties and municipalities under the Rural Fire Truck Acquisition Assistance Program. This appropriation is set for the fiscal year 2026, which will begin on July 1, 2025, and end on June 30, 2026. The funding aims to enhance local fire departments, particularly in rural areas, by improving their capacity to respond to emergencies effectively.
Contention
While there may not be substantial public contention surrounding the core intent of HB 930, which focuses on fire safety and rural assistance, potential issues could arise concerning how these funds are distributed among various counties and municipalities. Ensuring equitable access to these resources is crucial, as disparities might occur based on population size or existing firefighting infrastructure. Any proposals to adjust fund distribution may lead to debates among local government officials and constituents, particularly if certain areas feel overlooked or underfunded compared to others.
Insurance; revise the Rural Fire Truck Matching Assistance Program, the MS First Responders Health and Safety Act and the Municipal and County Fire Funds.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.