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Bill

HB 1414

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CLAIMS FOR FIRE SERVICES; AND TO UPDATE THE SCHEDULE OF EQUIPMENT RATES USED IN CLAIMS FOR FIRE SERVICES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Wade Andrews and 2 co-sponsors

House Bill 1414 updates fire service equipment rates in Arkansas to align with FEMA standards, ensuring fair reimbursement for municipal and volunteer fire departments.

Notification that HB1414 is now Act 417
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Bill Summary · HB 1414

Summary of House Bill 1414 (Act 417)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1414, now known as Act 417, aims to amend existing laws regarding claims for fire services in Arkansas. The primary focus of the bill is to update the schedule of equipment rates used in these claims, ensuring that they reflect current standards and practices.

Key Provisions

The bill includes the following significant amendments:

  1. Update of Equipment Rates:

    • The bill mandates that the rates for equipment used in fire service claims will be based on the Schedule of Equipment Rates published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Department of Homeland Security.
    • Specifically, it stipulates that the rates in effect as of January 1, 2013, will be utilized for claims related to firefighting services beyond municipal limits and for volunteer fire departments.

  2. Amendments to Existing Codes:

    • The bill amends Arkansas Code § 14-53-102(b)(1)(C)(iii) and § 20-22-901(b)(2)(C)(iii) to incorporate the updated equipment rates, ensuring consistency across relevant legal frameworks.

Affected Parties

  • Fire Departments: Both municipal and volunteer fire departments will be directly impacted by the updated equipment rates, which may affect their reimbursement for services rendered outside their jurisdiction.
  • Local Governments: Municipalities that rely on fire services will need to adjust their budgeting and financial planning to accommodate the changes in claims processing.
  • Emergency Management Agencies: Agencies involved in disaster response and management will need to align their operations with the updated standards set forth by FEMA.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: February 5, 2025
  • Amendment Adopted: February 24, 2025
  • Passed by House: March 6, 2025
  • Passed by Senate: March 20, 2025
  • Enrolled and Transmitted to Governor: March 21, 2025
  • Notification of Act: March 25, 2025

Conclusion

House Bill 1414 serves to modernize the framework for claims related to fire services in Arkansas by aligning state law with federal standards. This update is expected to streamline the claims process and ensure that fire departments are fairly compensated for their services, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of fire response efforts across the state.

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

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