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S 3531

Creates a volunteer firefighter scholarship program and a volunteer firefighter scholarship fund; appropriation

2025 Regular Session Introduced by George Borrello and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a Volunteer Firefighter Scholarship Program and Fund, funded by state appropriations, to support education and training for volunteer firefighters.

REFERRED TO FINANCE
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Bill Summary · S 3531

Summary of Bill S.3531

Overview

S.3531 would create a Volunteer Firefighter Scholarship Program and a corresponding Volunteer Firefighter Scholarship Fund, and authorize a state appropriation to support the program. The bill was introduced on January 28, 2025 and is currently referred to Finance. The legislative actions list the same committee referral on that date.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary objective is to establish financial support for volunteer firefighters through a dedicated scholarship program and a dedicated fund.
  • The explicit details of eligibility, award amounts, and service requirements are not provided in the available information. The fiscal and programmatic specifics would be set forth in the bill’s text and any accompanying fiscal notes.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the title)

  • Creation of a Volunteer Firefighter Scholarship Program.
  • Establishment of a Volunteer Firefighter Scholarship Fund to finance the program.
  • Authorization for an appropriation to support the fund and its scholarships.

Funding and Fiscal Implications

  • The bill signals that a state appropriation would be allocated to the scholarship fund. The exact funding level, mechanisms (annual appropriation, multi-year funding, matching requirements, etc.), and fiscal impact would be clarified in the bill text and any fiscal analysis prepared by the Finance Committee.

Administration and Implementation

  • The specific administrative structure, eligibility criteria, selection process, scholarship duration, renewal requirements, and any obligations (such as service commitment) are not detailed in the information provided. These elements are typically defined in the bill’s text and related regulatory guidance.

Affected Parties

  • Potentially all prospective and current volunteer firefighters who qualify for the program.
  • Volunteer fire departments or fire districts that participate in or interact with the program.
  • Individuals pursuing education or training related to firefighting who meet the program’s criteria.

Legislative History and Next Steps

  • Sponsored by: Primary — Robert Ortt; Cosponsor — George Borrello.
  • Related bills from prior sessions include S 6283, S 3656, and S 5167, suggesting ongoing interest in establishing volunteer firefighter supports in this legislative space.
  • Next steps (if advanced) typically include committee hearings, amendments, floor debates, and final votes, followed by potential budget processes to establish the appropriation.

Related Bills (Prior Sessions)

  • S 6283 (prior-session)
  • S 3656 (prior-session)
  • S 5167 (prior-session)

Note: This summary reflects the information available in the bill’s summary data. The full impact and specifics will depend on the full text and fiscal notes once the bill proceeds through the legislative process.

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

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