TN Senate Bill Effects LOSAP Program For Volunteer Firefighters

A bill currently moving through the Tennessee Senate would effect volunteer fire departments in the state, including here in East Tennessee. The bill makes changes to the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP). LOSAP allows local governments and tax-exempt organizations to provide financial rewards to volunteers performing firefighting and prevention, emergency medical, and ambulance services. LOSAPs are designed to recruit, retain, and reward volunteers for their commitment to the community.

The bill in the senate removes the directive to administer the LOSAP grant on a first come, first serve basis. This change will allow employers to receive a prorated amount of grant funding. The bill also allows Treasury to use the LOSAP grant funds to pay for the administrative expenses associated with the program to ensure that the program costs are covered without raising participant fees.

You can get more information on the state’s LOSAP program by going to the website https://treasury.tn.gov/Services/For-All-Tennesseans/LOSAP.