2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25102333D

HOUSE BILL NO. 2364

Offered January 13, 2025

Prefiled January 8, 2025

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 22.1-273.5, relating to Advanced Emergency Training and First Aid Equipment Grant Fund and Program established.

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Patron—Wilt

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Referred to Committee on Education

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 22.1-273.5 as follows:

§ 22.1-273.5. Advanced Emergency Training and First Aid Equipment Grant Fund and Program established.

A. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Advanced Emergency Training and First Aid Equipment Grant Fund, referred to in this section as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All funds appropriated for such purpose and any gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and other funds received on its behalf shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of awarding grants on a competitive basis pursuant to the Advanced Emergency Training and First Aid Equipment Grant Program established by the Department pursuant to subsection B. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Superintendent.

B. The Department shall establish and administer the Advanced Emergency Training and First Aid Equipment Grant Program (the Program) whereby it awards grants from the Fund on a merit-based, competitive basis to school divisions to cover the cost of advanced emergency training of school board employees whose positions involve regular interaction with students and to purchase emergency first aid equipment for schools in the school division. The Department shall establish such rules, processes, and procedures as it deems necessary for the proper administration of the Program and shall seek guidance and input from state agencies with a public safety and emergency response-centered mission in administering the Program.