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Senate concurs with HB 511 after adding match requirement for firefighting training grants
Summary
Senate Finance and Claims concurred with House Bill 511, a one-time $5 million capital development transfer to fund firefighting training facility grants through 2029; the committee approved an amendment moving toward requiring local matches to increase community commitment.
Representative Scott Demaros (House District 71) opened the hearing on House Bill 511, describing it as a one-time $5,000,000 transfer from the Capital Development Long Range account to a state special revenue account to provide grants for firefighting training facilities through 2029. He explained the bill’s intent to help volunteer and municipal fire departments obtain training props, connex-based live-fire structures, ladder devices and other equipment that improve readiness.
Jennifer Olson (Montana League of Cities and Towns) testified in support. Informational witnesses from the Department of Military Affairs (Burke Honzel) and the department CFO (Jenny Grambrot) answered fiscal questions. Senators discussed a proposed amendment to require significant local commitment (a match); the sponsor said he was amenable to providing some flexibility so very small purchases would remain accessible to volunteer departments.
An amendment requiring greater local matching was adopted and the committee concurred with HB 511 as amended. Representative Demaros, a 29-year firefighter, closed by emphasizing training’s role in preparedness.
