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SB 2908

General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to Hancock County for a live fire burn building.

2025 Regular Session

Authorizes a FY2026 General Fund appropriation to Hancock County to fund a live-fire burn building, boosting local firefighter training and on-site public-safety readiness.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 2908

SB 2908 — Summary

Title

General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to Hancock County for a live fire burn building.

Main purpose / intent

SB 2908 would authorize a General Fund appropriation for fiscal year (FY) 2026 to Hancock County to fund a "live fire burn building" — a training facility used by firefighters for hands‑on, controlled live‑fire training. The bill’s stated intent is to provide capital support so Hancock County (and its fire service partners) can construct, equip, or otherwise procure such a facility to improve local firefighter training and public safety.

Key provisions (based on available information)

  • Appropriation: Directs a General Fund appropriation for FY2026 to Hancock County for a live fire burn building.
  • Purpose: Capital funding for the design, construction, equipment purchase, or related costs for a live fire burn training facility.
  • Implementation details, appropriation amount, reporting requirements, timelines, and any matching or maintenance obligations are not provided in the version content available.

Note: The bill text or fiscal note was not included in the provided materials, so dollar amounts and specific allocation language could not be confirmed.

Who would be affected

  • Hancock County: Primary recipient and implementer of the project; would receive and expend the appropriation.
  • Local fire departments and firefighters: Direct beneficiaries through improved access to realistic live‑fire training, which can improve skill and safety.
  • State General Fund / taxpayers: Funds would come from the State General Fund for FY2026, affecting statewide budget allocations and priorities.
  • Nearby communities: Potential indirect benefits from improved emergency response capability; there may also be local land use, permitting, or environmental considerations tied to construction and operation.

Potential impacts

  • Benefits: Enhanced hands‑on training for firefighters, potentially improving response outcomes and safety; reduced need for travel to distant training sites.
  • Trade‑offs: Uses General Fund resources in FY2026 that could otherwise fund other state priorities; costs for long‑term maintenance/operation may fall to Hancock County unless otherwise specified.
  • Environmental/regulatory: Live burn facilities typically require permits and mitigation plans (air quality, water runoff, safety), which could affect project timeline and costs.

Procedural history / timeline (selected actions)

  • Introduced: January 19, 2024 (per legislative actions record).
  • Senate: Passed Third Reading (amended SD1) on March 5, 2024; transmitted to House.
  • House: Passed Third Reading as amended (HD 2) on April 5, 2024; transmitted back to Senate. Senate disagreed with House amendments (April 9, 2024); conferees appointed by both chambers.
  • Subsequent conference activity noted in April 2024.
  • Later actions show referral to Appropriations (January 31, 2025) and the bill ultimately listed as Died In Committee on February 26, 2025.
  • Additional entries (e.g., readings in March–April 2025) appear in the record but are inconsistent with the "Died In Committee" status; the available materials do not include final enacted language or appropriation figures.

Sponsors and related legislation

  • Primary sponsor: Senator McKelvey.
  • Companion bills: HB 3065 and HB 2188 (House companion measures).

Caveats / missing information

  • The full bill text, appropriation amount, fiscal note, and specific implementation language were not provided. This summary describes the legislative intent and likely effects based on the bill title and procedural history. For exact funding levels, statutory language, and any reporting or matching conditions, consult the bill text or fiscal documents (if/when released).

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

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