PREPARING FOR WILDFIRES

  • FIRE DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS: RURAL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM (HB 3667)

    The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Insurance Program (HB 3667) is a grant program designed to reimburse eligible volunteer fire departments for the purpose of insurance from private insurance companies. Eligible coverage includes any combination of compensation insurance for firefighters (workers' compensation, death and disability insurance) purchased from Texas insurance companies. The program will reimburse 100% of the actual cost of eligible insurance coverage up to a maximum of $155 per fire department member.

     

    The 77th Texas Legislature created the Rural VFD Insurance Program, which is funded by a 2% sales tax on the sale of fireworks.

    2019 3667 Reminder (beginning of FY)


     + Eligibility

    Who is eligible?

    Recognized, non-profit volunteer fire departments operated by its members are eligible. Any part-paid/part-volunteer fire department is also eligible, provided the number of paid members is 20 or less. Departments may enter into agreements with cities or counties in order to qualify for coverage and/or special premiums.

     

    All eligible departments must participate in a firefighter certification program administered under Section 419.071 of the Texas Government Code (Texas Commission on Fire Protection), or by the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshal’s Association of Texas (SFFMA), or by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).

     

    What is eligible?

    Any combination of compensation insurance for firefighters (workers' compensation, death, and/or disability insurance) is eligible. The insurance coverage must include a workers' compensation or similar benefit, and a death benefit. Departments may enter into agreements with cities or counties in order to qualify for coverage and/or special premiums.

     + Apply

    Application Procedure

    To apply, please fill out and submit the following:

     + Reimbursement Rate

    The program will reimburse 100% of the actual cost of eligible insurance coverage, up to a maximum of $175.00 per fire department member covered in the calendar year 2019.


    Historical Funding Summaries

     

     + Contact

    Texas A&M Forest Service
    200 Technology Way, Suite 1162
    College Station, Texas 77845
    Attn: HB 3667    		                   Phone: 979-458-6505
    Fax: 979-845-6160
    Email: ffins@tfs.tamu.edu

     
  • RELATED INFORMATION