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HB 2371

Increase the allowance for volunteer and part-volunteer fire companies and Allowing fire departments to make an expenditure for educational and training supplies and fire prevention promotional materials

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Clark and 7 co-sponsors

House Bill 2371 boosts funding for West Virginia's volunteer fire departments, raising annual spending on training and safety materials from $500 to $5,000, enhancing community safety.

To House Finance
#municipalities #publicsafety
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Bill Summary · HB 2371

Summary of House Bill 2371

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 2371
  • Title: Increase the allowance for volunteer and part-volunteer fire companies and Allowing fire departments to make an expenditure for educational and training supplies and fire prevention promotional materials
  • Status: To House Finance
  • Introduced: January 31, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Municipalities, Public Safety

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2371 aims to enhance the financial support available to volunteer and part-volunteer fire companies and departments in West Virginia. The bill proposes to increase the annual expenditure limit for educational and training supplies and fire prevention promotional materials from $500 to $5,000. This increase is intended to better equip fire departments to provide effective training and promote fire safety within their communities.

Key Provisions

  • Increased Expenditure Limit: The bill raises the maximum amount that volunteer and part-volunteer fire companies can spend on educational and training supplies and fire prevention promotional materials from $500 to $5,000 per year.
  • Authorized Expenditures: Funds received from the Municipal Pensions and Protection Fund and the Fire Protection Fund can be used for various purposes, including:
    • Personal protective equipment
    • Compliance equipment
    • Rescue and communication equipment
    • Facility maintenance and construction costs
    • Insurance premiums
    • Operating expenses
    • Educational and training supplies

Who Would Be Affected

  • Volunteer and Part-Volunteer Fire Companies: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are volunteer and part-volunteer fire departments across West Virginia, which rely on state funding to support their operations and training efforts.
  • Local Communities: By enhancing the capabilities of fire departments, the bill indirectly benefits the communities they serve by improving fire safety and emergency response preparedness.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Process: The bill was introduced on January 31, 2025, and is currently under consideration by the House Finance Committee.
  • Timeline: The bill's progress will depend on committee reviews and subsequent votes in both the House and Senate before it can be enacted into law.

Conclusion

House Bill 2371 represents a significant step towards strengthening the resources available to volunteer and part-volunteer fire companies in West Virginia. By increasing the allowable expenditures for training and educational materials, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of fire departments in safeguarding their communities.

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

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