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LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 502

WHEREAS, The Governor's Task Force concluded that the
Emergency Assistance Trust Fund has been properly administered
and has been effective in achieving its goals, particularly in
respect to bringing many volunteer companies in the State's more
rural counties up to minimum standards; and

WHEREAS, The Governor's Task Force has determined that a
State role in improving the quality and uniformity of fire,
rescue, and ambulance service is both appropriate and necessary
and that the Emergency Assistance Trust Fund should be
reauthorized and that a more comprehensive financial assistance
program be developed; and

WHEREAS, The Governor concurs in these recommendations of
the Task Force and has directed the Task Force to continue its
work and attempt to establish appropriate funding guidelines for
State aid during the 1984 Interim in order to insure the
provision of quality fire and rescue services to the citizens of
Maryland; now, therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Chapter 239 of the Acts of 1982

[SECTION 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the provisions
of Article 38A, Section 46 of the Code as enacted by Section 3 of
this Act shall be of no effect and may not be enforced after June
30, 1984.]

Article 38A - Fires and Investigations

46A.

(a)  (1) There is an Emergency Assistance Trust Fund to
assure adequate fire protection and rescue services for the
people of this State. After consultation with the Maryland State
Firemen's Association, the Governor is authorized to include an
amount in the State budget each year for the purposes set forth
in this section. ANY PORTION OF APPROPRIATED FUNDS THAT ARE NOT
OBLIGATED AT THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR SHALL NOT REVERT TO THE
GENERAL FUND AND SHALL BE CARRIED OVER FOR USE IN THE NEXT FISCAL
YEAR. AMOUNTS RECEIVED AS REPAYMENTS ON LOANS FROM THE EMERGENCY
ASSISTANCE TRUST FUND SHALL BE PLACED IN THE TRUST FUND AND MADE
AVAILABLE TO FUND REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

(b)  The Board of Public Works may award either a grant or a
loan or a combination of both from the Emergency Assistance Trust
Fund after a favorable recommendation from the Department of
Budget and Fiscal Planning if:

(1) An act of God or other unforeseen event has
substantially impaired the ability of a volunteer fire company or
rescue squad to provide adequate and safe service; or