Appropriation; Fire Academy.

HB 1798 appropriates approximately $9.1 million from state funds to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi State Fire Academy for fiscal year 2025. The bill authorizes the hiring of 62 permanent staff members and sets strict guidelines to ensure these funds are used only for new hires rather than salary increases or promotions for existing employees. Additionally, the legislation allocates specific amounts for capital improvements, including replacing heat building components and an auditorium roof, as well as providing a state match for the purchase of a specialty rescue truck. The bill also establishes performance targets, such as training 12,000 students, and grants a purchasing preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal.