Virginia would set aside money for fire and rescue services

Virginia would collect yearly charges from covered insurance companies for the Fire Programs Fund. The charges would apply to licensed insurers doing business in Virginia, based on income from the insurance categories named in this section. Each covered company would owe at least $100 a year, including companies with no income from covered premiums. The schedule specifies 1% before July 1, 2026; 1.5% on or after July 1, 2026, but before July 1, 2027; and 2% on or after July 1, 2027.

Virginia would set aside part of the insurance-company charges for the Virginia At Risk Fire Grant Program. Grants would target local governments whose fire departments are judged most at risk of being unable to fight fires, perform rescues, or meet relevant legal requirements. The Department of Fire Programs would manage grants under policies set by the Virginia Fire Services Board. Grant money could be used only for the program’s stated purposes. The proposal specifies that this yearly allocation would begin January 1, 2026.

Available money in the Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment Fund would pay for equipment that protects firefighters responding to fires. Purchases would cover breathing equipment and other equipment needed to protect firefighters, but not vehicles. Priority would go to communities rated above average or high for financial strain on the state’s fiscal stress index, rated “double-distressed” on its economic distress assessment, and showing an equipment need. Payments could not replace money provided through the Fire Programs Fund. The fund could receive state funding, donations, and grants; the proposal guarantees no funding amount. Unused money and interest would stay in the fund at the end of each fiscal year.

Virginia would collect an additional $6.25 yearly fee when covered vehicles are registered. The fee would cover pickup trucks, panel trucks, and the listed passenger vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and mopeds. Of each fee, $6 would support emergency medical services, including training and equipment. The remaining 25 cents would pay for emergency medical workers’ certification and recertification training. Money returned to local governments could not replace their own funding. The yearly fee would be collected when covered vehicles are registered.