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Bill

Bill

LD 2016

An Act To Eliminate The Thermal Imaging Camera Program

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Steve Bunker

Eliminates the Thermal Imaging Camera Program, ending state involvement and funding for fire departments' thermal imaging gear, reshaping procurement and oversight.

Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · LD 2016

Summary of LD 2016 — An Act To Eliminate The Thermal Imaging Camera Program

Overview

LD 2016 is a bill titled An Act To Eliminate The Thermal Imaging Camera Program. Introduced on December 3, 2025, the bill would terminate the state's Thermal Imaging Camera Program within fire departments (and related Fire Safety activities). The bill has progressed through the legislative process with a favorable committee action (OTP) and subsequent public consideration.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary aim of the bill is to eliminate the Thermal Imaging Camera Program. This reflects an intent to discontinue state-backed provision or requirements related to thermal imaging cameras used by fire departments and/or Fire Safety agencies.
  • By removing the program, the bill would affect how thermal imaging equipment is funded, procured, and deployed within affected agencies.

Key Provisions (as described by the bill’s title and process)

  • Termination of the Thermal Imaging Camera Program: The bill would cease the program’s operations, effectively ending state involvement in the program.
  • Reallocation or Cessation of Funding: The bill would likely address how existing funding tied to the program would be redirected or discontinued, and whether there are any sunset or transitional provisions for ongoing commitments.
  • Adjustments to Related Requirements: Any statutory or regulatory requirements tied to the program would be changed or removed to reflect program elimination.
  • Administrative and Compliance Provisions: The bill may include provisions to guide agencies in winding down activities, ensuring continuity of essential services, and addressing any pending orders, grants, or contracts related to the program.

Note: The exact text of provisions is not provided here; the summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and typical elements associated with abolishing a state program.

Who Would Be Affected

  • State and Local Fire Departments: Agencies currently participating in or benefiting from the Thermal Imaging Camera Program would be directly impacted. This includes procurement, deployment, training, and maintenance practices tied to program eligibility.
  • Fire Safety Agencies: Any state-level bodies involved in Fire Safety oversight or administration that interact with the thermal imaging program would undergo changes in policy and funding.
  • Budget and Administrative Offices: Departments handling grants, procurement, and equipment funding would adjust to the elimination of the program.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction: December 3, 2025.
  • Referral: Referred to the Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety on December 3, 2025, pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2; ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
  • Public Hearing: January 6, 2026.
  • Work Session: January 6, 2026.
  • Committee Vote: Voted OTP (Ought to Pass) on January 6, 2026, indicating committee support for advancement.
  • Status: OTP status indicates favorable committee action with recommendation to the full chamber for passage.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Budgetary: Possible reallocation or reduction of funds previously allocated to the Thermal Imaging Camera Program.
  • Operational: Fire departments may need to adjust equipment inventories, procurement planning, and training practices if thermal imaging capabilities were previously tied to program funding or mandates.
  • Policy and Oversight: Removal of the program would require updates to statutes, guidance, and administrative rules governing fire safety equipment programs.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific jurisdiction’s statutes or provide a comparative briefing with similar programs in other states.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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