South Dakota2026Active
SB136
Grants for Volunteer Firefighter Safety Gear
Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 3:29 AM
In one sentence
This law gives $5 million to the Department of Public Safety to help volunteer fire departments buy safety equipment.
What it does
- Sets aside $5,000,000 from the general fund for grants.
- Sends money to the Department of Public Safety to manage the program.
- Allows eligible fire departments to use funds only for personal protective equipment worn or used by firefighters in their duties.
- Requires the department to review applications in order and prioritize those with the greatest need.
- States that any unused money must be returned by June 30, 2030.
Who it affects
- Fire departments where at least seventy percent of firefighters are volunteers
- The Department of Public Safety
Limits and unknowns
- The law does not say how much money each department can receive.
- It is unclear if there are specific rules for what types of equipment qualify beyond the general definition in the text.
- The exact date when grants will be available to departments is not listed.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Appropriation
- An official act that sets aside a specific amount of money for a purpose.
- Personal protective equipment
- Gear worn or used by firefighters to stay safe while working.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
make an appropriation for grants to support the purchase of personal protective equipment by volunteer fire departments and to declare an emergency.
Official activity
Bill history
- Signed by the Governor