In an effort to support the unsung heroes of Oklahoma's rural areas, Rep. David Smith, R-Arpelar, has introduced new legislation designed to aid volunteer firefighters with their personal costs. The proposed "Rural Volunteer Firefighter Clothing Allowance Grants Act", also known as House Bill 1078, is set for review in the state's upcoming legislative session that kicks off on February 3. Speaking to the integral role these individuals play, Smith noted in a statement shared by the Oklahoma House website, "Rural volunteer firefighters work at their own expense to keep their friends and neighbors safe from the devastating effects of fire."
The concept for the bill arose following a fall interim study spearheaded by Smith himself, which aimed to tackle challenges in recruiting and sustaining volunteer firefighters within rural communities. The act would establish a revolving fund in the Oklahoma state treasury, which would be managed by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, specifically benefitting the state's rural volunteer firefighters. This fund would rely on various sources such as legislative appropriations, donations, and grants, and not be bound to fiscal year restrictions, as outlined in the original proposal.
As stated by Oklahoma House, the Oklahoma State Board of Agriculture would be responsible for forming procedures for issuing the clothing allowance. This fund would then go on to reimburse eligible firefighters for sanctioned purchases. To qualify, firefighters must belong to a certified Oklahoma fire department, engage in at least 75% of that department's calls during the fiscal year, and fulfill a minimum of 24 hours of firefighter training within the same timeframe.
Disbursement of the funds, certified by the applicants' respective fire chiefs, would be enacted on the last business day of September annually. This initiative aspires to not only alleviate the personal expense burden but also to foster an environment that attracts and retains volunteer firefighters. If this bill is signed into law, these changes would take effect starting November 1, as reported by the official announcement on the Oklahoma House of Representatives website.
