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Senate committee approves donation-funded firefighter wellness grant program
Summary
The Senate Local Government Committee approved House Bill 901, establishing a donation-funded special revenue account to award small grants (priority to small/rural departments) for firefighter wellness and safety equipment; the bill passed by voice vote and will be carried forward by a volunteer senator.
House Bill 901, which creates a special revenue account for voluntary donations to fund wellness and safety grants for fire departments, passed the Senate Local Government Committee by voice vote.
Representative Giss, sponsor of the bill, told the committee the measure “creates a special revenue account that state doesn't put money in, but people can donate to,” and said the account will support grants for decontamination showers, saunas and safety equipment. He said he would be “the first” donor, putting in $500, and that he expects roughly $50,000 could be available in the fund in the first year.
The bill directs the Department of Military Affairs to administer the program (through Disaster and Emergency Services) and allows small grants to local fire departments for items that “benefit the health and safety of firefighters.” The fiscal note included in the packet shows a general-fund impact of zero; Representative Giss said the department would take 1% for administration (about $500 on an anticipated $50,000) and that applicants would pay a nonrefundable $10 application fee.
Jennifer Olson, government affairs director for the Montana League of Cities and Towns, testified the program “provides the necessary opportunity for grant funds to help provide equipment and safety” and urged the committee to concur. Rich Cowger, representing the Montana Fire Alliance, told senators the coalition supports a program that “can benefit some of our smaller, less fortunate departments across the state.”
There were no opponents on the record. Janae Grotbo, chief financial officer for the Department of Military Affairs, and Burke Honsel, preparedness bureau chief with Montana Disaster and Emergency Services, served as informational witnesses and offered to answer questions about the fiscal note and administration.
During executive action a senator moved that the committee “do pass” (do concur) on House Bill 901; the committee voted by voice and several members registered aye by proxy. The chair announced, "House Bill 901 has passed." After passage senators sought a Senate carrier to carry the bill forward; Senator Beard volunteered.
The bill’s language prioritizes smaller operating budgets and rural departments and caps individual grant awards to allow funds to be shared. The law, if enacted, will create a donation vehicle rather than a general-fund appropriation; administrative responsibilities will lie with the Department of Military Affairs as described in the fiscal note.
The committee’s action sends the measure to the next steps in the Senate process, with a Senate carrier identified to move the bill forward.
