In a move to strengthen emergency response capabilities across the state, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 34, which aims to increase funding and coordination for rural volunteer fire departments. The legislation, authored by Senator Kevin Sparks (R), addresses what he described as a critical shortfall in support for departments that serve the vast majority of Texas’ land area.
“Despite covering 85 percent of the state, these vital departments are woefully underfunded,” Sen. Sparks said. “With an annual cap of $30 million, and grant requests often exceeding $43 million, the program faces a $22 million annual shortfall.”
SB 34 seeks to remedy that by raising the cap on the state’s Rural Fire Department Assistance Program from $30 million to $40 million annually. The program provides essential funding for equipment, training, and operational needs for volunteer fire departments, many of which struggle to keep up with increasing wildfire threats and outdated gear.
Beyond the funding increase, the bill includes a call for a comprehensive study of wildfire risk and mitigation strategies. This effort will be conducted jointly by the Texas A&M Forest Service and West Texas A&M University. As wildfires become more frequent and intense, lawmakers say it is critical to better understand how to prepare and protect vulnerable communities.
“The goal is not just to put more money into the system, but to make sure we’re using it wisely and strategically,” Sen. Sparks said.
SB 34 also directs the Texas A&M Forest Service to develop and maintain a current database of all firefighting equipment across the state. This inventory will improve coordination and planning among departments, particularly when responding to large-scale fires that can spread rapidly across county lines.
With many rural departments relying almost entirely on volunteers and small budgets, supporters of the bill say the added funding and better coordination could save lives and property.
The legislation comes as Texas continues to face severe drought conditions in several regions and increasingly unpredictable fire seasons. Supporters argue that without additional resources, many rural departments may be left unprepared in the face of growing wildfire threats.
Senator Sparks emphasized that the stakes are high, “Our rural fire departments are the first and sometimes only line of defense for millions of Texans. They need our support to continue protecting lives, homes, and land across this great state.”
SB 34 now moves to the House for consideration.
