Public Funds and Financing - As introduced, expresses the legislative intent that a county in which a county-wide fire department is established, or in which a volunteer fire department provides services, direct priority for the appropriation and allocation of county funds to fund the activities of the county-wide or volunteer fire department. - Amends TCA Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 38 and Title 68, Chapter 102, Part 3.

SB 1651 requires Tennessee counties to prioritize funding for county-wide and volunteer fire departments. It directs county governing bodies to allocate county funds (from general funds or other revenue) to these departments at a level equal to the funding provided for the sheriff's department. The bill specifically applies to counties with a county-wide fire department or a volunteer fire department serving all county areas, as defined by state fire marshal recognition. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and establishes legislative intent for funding allocation without creating new programs.