Mississippi Senate Bill SB2096

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Rural Fire Truck Acquisition Assistance Program; authorize an additional round for counties and municipalities.

Impact

The financial provisions outlined in the bill specify that eligible counties can apply for substantial funding to acquire new fire trucks, with allocations increasing based on the number of trucks already received. This structure of funding not only facilitates rural fire protection but also aims to contribute to public safety by ensuring that rural areas have adequate firefighting resources and capabilities. The act underscores the state's commitment to supporting local governments in fulfilling their public safety responsibilities.

Summary

Senate Bill 2096 aims to amend the existing Rural Fire Truck Acquisition Assistance Program under Mississippi law. The bill seeks to authorize an additional round of funding for counties and municipalities, enhancing support for fire truck acquisition. The program is administered by the Department of Insurance and is designed to assist local governments in obtaining fire trucks needed for rural firefighting efforts. The funding source is the Rural Fire Truck Fund, which receives allocations from the State General Fund to fulfill the program's obligations.

Contention

Some points of contention arise from the funding limitations and the eligibility criteria for counties wishing to apply for this assistance. Critics may argue that the funding limitations could restrict the number of fire trucks a county can realistically procure, potentially leaving rural areas under-equipped in emergencies. Furthermore, ensuring that the fire trucks meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards presents administrative challenges that may create additional burdens on local governments, influencing their ability to promptly acquire necessary equipment.