SB 21/a LOCAL FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT

Sen Leo Jaramillo

Actions: [1] SCC/SHPAC/SFC-SCC [2]germane-SHPAC [4] DP-SFC [7] DP/a - PASSED/S (36-0) [10] HLVMC/HAFC-HLVMC [14] DP-HAFC

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

 Senate Bill 21 (SB 21) directs the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) to establish a program to distribute funds appropriated to the DFA for recruitment of statewide and local firefighter and emergency medical technicians and makes an appropriation. 

 Senate Bill 21 (SB 21) directs the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) to establish a program to distribute funds appropriated to the DFA for recruitment of statewide and local firefighter and emergency medical technicians.

The directive includes development of criteria for distribution and stipulates that fire departments, including volunteer fire departments, may use the funds to recruit certified and eligible firefighters and emergency medical technicians.

Thirty-five million dollars ($35,000,000) is appropriated to the General Fund to the DFA to support this program.
 

 Efforts have previously been made to establish a recruitment fund and distribution model for firefighters and EMTs in New Mexico, but this particular model is not yet available. If the bill does not pass, funds will have to be found and administered through other avenues. 

 Amended February 5, 2024 in the Senate Finance Committee

SFCa/SB 21: The Senate Finance Committee amends Senate Bill 21 (SB 21) as follows:

1. On page 1, line 14, strike "; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION". 

2. On page 2, strike lines 3 through 9.
 

 House Bill 88 (HB 88) - Firefighter Recruitment
Senate Bill 128 (SB 128) - State Fire Retirement