4112

VETOES

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

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