Ch. 641

LAWS OF MARYLAND

such funds for that purpose. The State subsidy under subsection

(b) shall not be reduced by reason of such specifically

designated federal funds so long as they are used for the
expanded programs or staff.

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.

(2)  The Board of Public Works may authorize use of
the trust funds upon recommendation by the Department of Budget
and Fiscal Planning in accordance with this section.

(3)  (i) A volunteer fire company or rescue squad
shall submit all requests for financial assistance under this
section to the Maryland State Firemen's Association for approval
by a board of review in accordance with the Association's bylaws.

(ii) All requests for financial assistance
shall include financial statements for the 2 fiscal years
immediately prior to the fiscal year in which the application is
made. Each request shall also include the audit of the financial
statements if an audit was conducted. The volunteer company
shall certify that it has applied for financial assistance from
its local government or governments and been denied, either in
part or in full, funding for its request.

(iii) If the Maryland State Firemen's
Association disapproves a request or does not take action within
45 days of the request, then the volunteer fire company or rescue
squad requesting assistance may appeal to a panel comprised of
the president of the Maryland State. Firemen's Association, the
State Fire Marshal, and the chairman of the Fire and Rescue
Education and Training Commission. The decision of the appeals
panel shall be final and not subject to further review.

(4)  Upon approval of a request for the use of trust
funds, the Maryland State Firemen's Association or the appeals
panel, as the case may be, shall transmit its recommendation to
the Department of Budget and Fiscal Planning along with the

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