Huntington, WV (LOOTPRESS) – As part of the West Virginia Legislature’s May 2023 interim session, members of the Joint Committee on Volunteer Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services met on Sunday, May 7, on the campus of Marshall University.
Compromise
For many members, the pressing matter was finding a compromise on last session’s failed HB 3153- Relating to distribution of certain taxes and surcharges to benefit volunteer and part-volunteer fire departments and emergency medical services providers.
According to key members, they may have achieved just that.
“The House and Senate have a working document that we believe can become a bill,” said Delegate Mike Honaker (R-Greenbrier, 46). Honaker, an emergency management professional, sounded optimistic that Governor Justice would call a special session to pass the compromise plan. Added Honaker, “this will be a tremendous help in rural districts and shows what can be accomplished by working together.”
Delegate Phil Mallow (R-Marion, 75), Chairman of the House Committee on Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services, shared this sentiment. “This was the biggest issue from my perspective this month,” said Mallow, regarding the potential for a compromise plan.
First Responder Wellness & ISO ratings
Additionally, members listened to a report from Kari Mika-Lude, PhD, on the topic of mental health wellness for first responders. This included a frank discussion of the pressures facing first responders and their barriers in attaining timely mental health services, along with looking at how internal and external expectations complicate the matter. Code Grey, Mika-Lude’s comprehensive training program for first responders, was also discussed at length by curious members.
After Dr. Mika-Lude finished her presentation, Delegate Joe Statler (R-Mon, 77), joint committee co-chair, asked legislative staff to find out what various agencies are doing and what they *should* be doing to address. Statler’s co-chair, Senator Vince Deeds (R-Greenbrier, 10) concurred and asked staff to investigate the matter further before the next interim meetings in August.
After the meeting, Del. Mallow expressed his admiration for Code Gray but acknowledged that it might be “a heavy lift” this upcoming session, but it could be part of a comprehensive first responder wellness plan in 2025 that maximizes results while minimizing costs and potential for fraud.
West Virginia State Fire Marshal Kenneth E. Tyree was the second presenter before the committee. Marshal Tyree addressed changes and improvements of ISO ratings and what affects these would have on fire departments.
Interim legislative committee meetings will continue at Marshall University through Wednesday.