Relating to fire department recruitment and retention

SB 65 creates a Fire Service Recruitment and Retention Fund funded by a 0.55% surcharge on fire and casualty insurance policies. The fund provides grants to volunteer and part-time fire departments for recruitment, retention, and length-of-service award programs. The State Fire Commission must establish a grant program considering factors like call volume, funding sources, and financial compliance. Departments must submit required financial reports to qualify, and the Legislative Auditor will verify eligibility. The bill updates an existing insurance surcharge policy to redirect revenue specifically toward supporting volunteer fire services.