DELAWARE - A new proposal introduced in the Delaware General Assembly could open the door to broader financial support for local fire companies across the state.
Senate Bill 86, introduced April 3 and sponsored by Sen. Huxtable, is currently awaiting consideration in the Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee. The bill seeks to amend Title 29 of the Delaware Code to expand funding options for the Delaware Volunteer Fire Service Revolving Loan Fund.
Currently, the fund can only receive money through appropriations made by the General Assembly. Under the proposed legislation, contributions could also come from individuals, charitable organizations and county governments. The bill ensures that if a county contributes funds, that money will be earmarked specifically for fire companies operating within that county.
Support for the bill is bipartisan, with additional sponsorship from Sen. Townsend and Reps. Carson and D. Short, and co-sponsorship from several lawmakers including Sens. Hocker, Pettyjohn, Seigfried, Sokola and Walsh, along with Reps. Burns, Griffith, Hilovsky, Morrison, Snyder-Hall and Yearick.
Recently, the Carlisle Fire Company was awarded additional funding by the City of Milford for equipment and to go towards at fourth ambulance due to growing demand.
In addition to expanding the funding stream, the bill makes technical updates to ensure the language aligns with the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. If passed, the act will take effect immediately upon being signed into law.