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Bill

HB 986

Fire Programs Fund; allocation, Virginia At Risk Fire Grant Program established.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Garrett

Establishes Virginia's At Risk Fire Grant Program with dedicated state funding for fire prevention and emergency response capabilities across local departments.

Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (6-Y 3-N)
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Bill Summary · HB 986

Legislative bill overview

HB 986 establishes the At Risk Fire Grant Program and creates a dedicated Fire Programs Fund in Virginia to allocate resources for firefighting initiatives. The bill, sponsored by Tom Garrett, directs state funding toward fire prevention and emergency response programs, though specific allocation amounts and program details would be outlined in the bill's full text.

Why is this important

Fire prevention and response capacity directly affect public safety, property protection, and community resilience. Dedicated funding mechanisms can improve response times, equipment availability, and training for both volunteer and professional fire departments across Virginia, particularly in underserved or high-risk areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and funding source: The Department of Planning and Budget's fiscal impact statement likely addresses concerns about how the program will be funded and whether it requires new revenue or redirects existing appropriations
  • Program structure and eligibility: Questions may exist about which fire departments or communities qualify for grants and what criteria determine fund distribution
  • Sustainability and accountability: Concerns about whether dedicated funding is permanent, how grant performance will be measured, and whether oversight mechanisms ensure effective use of public dollars

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

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