HARRY HUGHES, Governor

2699

assistance from the Trust Fund rather than financial
statements; requiring a certain evaluation by the Department
of Budget and Fiscal Planning; providing a certain
limitation on the amount of certain appropriated funds that
may be used by the Maryland State Firemen's Association for
certain purposes; and generally relating to the Emergency
Trust Fund Program.

BY repealing

Chapter 239 of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1982
Section 5

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Article 38A - Fires and Investigations
Section 46A(a)(l) and (b), 46B, and 46C(b)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1982 Replacement Volume and 1983 Supplement)

BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,

Article 38A - Fires and Investigations

Section 46A(b)

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1982 Replacement Volume and 1983 Supplement)

Preamble

WHEREAS, Throughout Maryland's history, volunteer fire,
rescue, and ambulance companies have been a very important
provider of fire and emergency services to the citizens of the
State and, by saving lives and protecting property, have saved
the taxpayer substantial dollars that would otherwise have to be
expended by government directly for these services; and

WHEREAS, By Chapter 239 of the Acts of 1982, the General
Assembly, in recognition of the escalating cost of fire and
rescue services and the disparities in level of support provided
to volunteer companies by local jurisdictions, established the
Emergency Assistance Trust Fund program to provide financial
assistance to volunteer companies in the event of an unforeseen
emergency or where the company did not meet minimum standards;
and

WHEREAS, The Governor's Task Force on State Support for
Volunteer Fire, Rescue and Ambulance Companies reviewed the
administration and effectiveness of the Emergency Assistance
Trust Fund as well as the need for and desirability of
alternative approaches to equipment and facility financing; and