Establishing a rural emergency response enhancement program, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions

This bill establishes the rural emergency response enhancement program (program). The bill defines “emergency medical technician (EMT) training”, “small rural police department” (police department), and “volunteer fire department” (fire department). The bill requires the department of health and human services (HHS) to administer the program for the purpose of providing grants to police departments and fire departments to enhance emergency response capacity through EMT training. To be considered for a grant under the program, a police department or fire department must demonstrate a need for EMT training in the police department’s or fire department’s service area, and commit to deploying personnel who have completed EMT training to provide emergency medical services. HHS shall review applications, giving priority to the highest demonstrated need for EMT training, and award grants to eligible applicants to be used for costs associated with EMT training. A police department or fire department awarded a grant must submit an annual report to HHS containing information related to the use of the grant. The bill creates a rural emergency response enhancement fund (fund) in the state treasury under the control of HHS. All moneys in the fund shall be used to award grants under the program. For each fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2026, and before July 1, 2030, there is appropriated from the general fund for deposit in the fund, an amount sufficient to cover the grants awarded under the program, not to exceed $100,000 each fiscal year. The bill requires HHS to adopt rules to implement and administer the program. On or before December 31, 2029, HHS shall submit a report to the general assembly containing an evaluation of the program, including recommendations for the continuation, modification, or termination of the program. The bill takes effect upon enactment. The program is repealed July 1, 2030.