Legislation to Strengthen Local Fire Departments Clears Committee Unanimously

HB25-1078 would help fire departments purchase new equipment and increase access to affordable homeownership for firefighters

DENVER, CO – The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee yesterday unanimously passed legislation to invest in Colorado’s fire departments and increase homeownership opportunities for firefighters.

HB25-1078, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, would create a revolving loan fund to provide zero-interest, low-barrier financing for fire departments to purchase equipment, upgrade stations, or cover costs associated with responding to an emergency. 

“Last year during our work on property tax reform, we made a commitment to fire chiefs that we would show up for them and provide the sustainable support they need,” said Cutter. “Fire trucks, station upgrades, workforce needs, and the costs of responding to emergencies is increasing rapidly, and many fire departments are feeling the pressure. This bill creates a zero-interest financing program, enabling fire districts to upgrade their equipment even if they don't have enough cash on hand to front the cost, without having to incur high-interest debt. This will ensure they have the equipment they need to continue keeping Colorado communities safe.”

“Many fire departments are struggling to recruit and retain their workforce because of the lack of affordable housing in their communities,” said Marchman. “In addition to creating a commonsense financing program to support local fire districts, this bill also gives firefighters a boost to be able to buy a home and put down roots, so that they can afford to live in the communities that they so bravely serve.” 

The revolving loan fund would be hosted by the Department of Labor Affairs in partnership with the Division of Fire Prevention and Control. This fund would help fire districts avoid high-interest debt and improve safety infrastructure in our communities. 

The bill would also include an optional, shared appreciation mortgage program to help firefighters buy homes in the communities they serve. 

This legislation comes from the interim Wildfire Matters Review Committee. Recent wildfires, including the Marshall Fire, Cameron Peak Fire, and East Troublesome Fire, have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage, displaced hundreds of Coloradans, and drastically changed landscapes. This legislation helps fire departments prepare for the next wildfire and keep our communities safe. 

HB25-1078 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.