CHAPTER 199
An Act to direct the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security to establish a work group to study existing fire service needs, analyze sustainability of current funding, and review alternative funding models from other states; report.
[H 2175]
Approved March 22, 2023
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. § 1. That the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security (the Secretary) shall establish a work group composed of representatives from the Department of Fire Programs, the Department of Planning and Budget, the Office of Emergency Medical Services, the Virginia Fire Services Council, Virginia's Regional EMS Councils, the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations, the House Committee on Appropriations, and such other stakeholders as the Secretary deems appropriate to study existing fire service needs, analyze sustainability of current funding, and review alternative funding models from other states. In conducting its study, the work group may hire an outside consultant and shall create a needs assessment survey that analyzes existing fire service needs, the sustainability of current funding, any gaps in current funding, how other states fund fire and EMS services, and best practices from other states. The Secretary shall report the work group's findings and any recommendations to the Chairmen of the House Committee on General Laws and the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology on or before October 1, 2023.