CONGRESSIONAL FIRE SERVICES INSTITUTE

111th Congress
110th Congress
109th Congress
108th Congress

• Fire Grants Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3791/S. 3267)

H.R. 3791 was introduced by Congressman Harry Mitchell (AZ-5) on October 13, 2009. 
S. 3267 was introduced by Senator Christopher Dodd (CT) on April 27, 2010. 
Summary: The bill reauthorizes the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE) Grant Program and SAFER Grant Program through Fiscal Year 2014. 

• Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act (H.R.1194/S. 2947)

H.R. 1194 was introduced by Congressman James Langevin (RI-2) on February 25, 2009. 
S. 2947 was introduced by Senator Thomas Carper (DE) on January 22, 2010. 
Summary: The legislation will classify the retrofit of automatic fire sprinkler systems in commercial properties as five-year property for purposes of tax depreciation.

• Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (H.R.413/S. 1611)

H.R. 413 was introduced by Congressman Dale Kildee (MI-5) on January 9, 2009.
S. 1611 was introduced by Senator Judd Gregg (NH) on August 8, 2009. 
Summary: The legislation provides collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by states or local governments.

• Federal Fire Fighters Fairness Act (H.R.948/S. 599)

H.R. 948 was introduced by Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) on February 10, 2009.
S. 599 was introduced by Senator Thomas Carper (DE) on March 16, 2009.
Summary: The legislation amends federal law to provide that, in the case of an employee in fire protection activities: (1) heart disease, lung disease, specified cancers and infectious diseases shall be presumed to be proximately caused by the employee's employment; (2) the disability or death of an employee in fire protection activities due to such a disease shall be presumed to result from personal injury sustained while in the performance of such employee's duty; and (3) such presumptions may be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence. 

• Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Job Protection Act (S. 1025)

S. 1025 was introduced by Senator Thomas Carper (DE) on May 12, 2009. 
Summary: The legislation protects the employment status of volunteer emergency services personnel responding to a Presidentially-declared national disaster for up to 14 days per calendar year.

• Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3666/S. 3136)

H.R. 3666 was introduced by Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (WI-2) on September 29, 2009. 
S. 3136 was introduced by Senator Christopher Dodd (CT) on March 18, 2010. 
Summary: The legislation amends Internal Revenue Code provisions allowing a tax exclusion for benefits paid to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical providers by states and local government by: (1) increasing the amount of benefits excludible; and (2) extending such tax exclusion through 2013.

• Volunteer Emergency Services Recruitment and Retention Act  (H.R. 1792/S. 3319)

H.R. 1792 was introduced by Congressman Peter King (NY-3) on March 30, 2009. 
S. 3319 was introduced by Senator Susan Collins (ME) on May 5, 2010. 
Summary: The legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow sponsors of certain deferred compensation plans to elect to include length of service award plans for bona fide volunteers providing firefighting and fire prevention services, emergency medical services, ambulance services, and emergency rescue services.

• The Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones College Fire Prevention Act (H.R. 2136/S. 1791)

H.R. 2136 was introduced by Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (OH-11) on April 28, 2009.
S. 1791 was introduced by Senator Sherrod Brown (OH) on October 15, 2009.
Summary: The legislation directs the Secretary of Education to make competitive demonstration grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs), fraternities, and sororities for up to half the cost of installing fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in student housing and dormitories owned or controlled by such entities. 

• Campus Fire Safety Education Act (S. 3142/H.R. 4908)

S. 3142 was introduced by Senator Frank Lautenberg (NJ) on March 18, 2010.
H.R. 4908 was introduced by Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-8) on March 22, 2010.
Summary: The legislation establishes a grant program at the Department of Education to make awards to institutes of higher education for fire prevention and education programs.    

• Protect Children from Dangerous Lighters Act (S. 723/H.R. 2050)

S. 723 was introduced by Senator Ron Wyden (OR) on March 26, 2009.
H.R. 2050 was introduced by Congressman Michael Michaud (ME-2) on April 22, 2009.
Summary: The legislation prohibits the manufacture, importation, and sale of toy-like "novelty" lighters. 

• Fallen Heroes Flag Act  (H.R. 415)

H.R. 415 was introduced by Congressman Peter King (NY-3) on January 9, 2009.
Summary: The legislation allows the Representative of the immediate family of a deceased public safety officer who died in the line of duty to provide the family, at their request, with a Capitol-flown flag, together with a certificate, signed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Representative providing the flag, which contains an expression of sympathy for the family.

 

Approved Legislation 

• Fiscal Year 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations  (H.R. 2892)

H.R. 2892 was introduced by Congressman David Price (NC-4) on June 16, 2009.
Summary: Appropriates funds for programs and activities of the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2010, including the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE) Grant Program, the SAFER Grant Program, USFA, and FEMA. 

• American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (H.R. 1)

H.R. 1 Introduced by Congressman David Obey (WI-7) on January 26, 2009.
Summary: The legislation makes supplemental appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009 including $210 million for competitive grants to upgrade, modify or construct fire stations, grants for broadband deployment, and funding to fight wildfires.  The legislation also includes a waiver on the local match for the SAFER grant program for Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010.

• Establishment of September as Campus Fire Safety Month (S. Res. 40/H. Res. 167)

S. Res. 40 was introduced by Senator Frank Lautenberg (NJ) on February 12, 2009. 
H. Res. 167 was introduced by Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-8) on February 12, 2009.
Summary: A resolution supporting the establishment of September as Campus Fire Safety Month.

• Resolution designating a "National Firefighters Memorial Day" (S. Res. 40/H. Res. 167)

H. Res. 729 was introduced by Congressman Ted Poe (TX-2) on September 10, 2009. 
Summary: Urges the President to designate a National Firefighters Memorial Day in conjunction with the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service and encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with the appropriate ceremonies. 

 

Title	Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009
Bill Number	H.R. 3791
Sponsor	H.R. 3791 Introduced by Congressman Harry Mitchell (AZ-5) on October 13, 2009.
Summary	Reauthorizes the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE) Grant Program and SAFER Grant Program through Fiscal Year 2014.
Title	Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act
Bill Number	H.R. 413 S. 1611
Sponsor	H.R. 413 Introduced by Congressman Dale Kildee (MI-5) on January 9, 2009. S. 1611 Introduced by Senator Judd Gregg (NH) on August 8, 2009.
Summary	Provides collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by states or local governments.
Title	Fallen Heroes Flag Act
Bill Number	H.R. 415
Sponsor	H.R. 415 Introduced by Congressman Peter King (NY-3) on January 9, 2009.
Summary	To provide Capitol-flown flags to the immediate family of firefighters, law enforcement offices, emergency medical technicians, and other rescue workers who are killed in the line of duty.
Title	Protect Children from Dangerous Lighters Act
Bill Number	S. 723 H.R. 2050
Sponsor	S. 723 Introduced by Senator Ron Wyden on March 26, 2009. H.R. 2050 Introduced by Congressman Michael Michaud (ME-2) on April 22, 2009.
Summary	The legislation prohibits the manufacture, importation, and sale of toy-like “novelty” lighters.
Title	Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act
Bill Number	H.R. 1194 S.2947
Sponsor	H.R. 1194 Introduced by Congressman James Langevin (RI-2) on February 25, 2009. S. 2947 Introduced by Senator Thomas Carper (DE) on January 22, 2010.
Summary	The legislation will classify the retrofit of automatic fire sprinkler systems as five-year property for purposes of tax depreciation.
Title	Federal Fire Fighters Fairness Act
Bill Number	H.R. 948 S. 599
Sponsor	H.R. 948 Introduced by Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) on February 10, 2009. S. 599 Introduced by Senator Thomas Carper (DE) on March 16, 2009.
Summary	Amends federal law to provide that, in the case of an employee in fire protection activities: (1) heart disease, lung disease, specified cancers and infectious diseases shall be presumed to be proximately caused by the employee's employment; (2) the disability or death of an employee in fire protection activities due to such a disease shall be presumed to result from personal injury sustained while in the performance of such employee's duty; and (3) such presumptions may be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence.
Title	Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Job Protection Act
Bill Number	S. 1025
Sponsor	S. 1025 Introduced by Senator Thomas Carper (DE) on May 12, 2009.
Summary	Protects the employment status of volunteer emergency services personnel responding to a Presidentially-declared national disaster for up to 14 days per calendar year.
Title	Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones College Fire Prevention Act
Bill Number	H.R. 2136 S. 1791
Sponsor	H.R. 2136 Introduced by Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (OH-11) on April 28, 2009. S. 1791 Introduced by Senator Sherrod Brown (OH) on October 15, 2009.
Summary	Directs the Secretary of Education to make competitive demonstration grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs), fraternities, and sororities for up to half the cost of installing fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in student housing and dormitories owned or controlled by such entities.
Approved Legislation
Title	Fiscal Year 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations
Bill Number	H.R. 2892
Sponsor	H.R. 2892 Introduced by Congressman David Price (NC-4) on June 16, 2009.
Summary	Appropriates funds for programs and activities of the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2010, including the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE) Grant Program, the SAFER Grant Program, USFA, and FEMA.
Title	American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Bill Number	H.R. 1
Sponsor	H.R. 1 Introduced by Congressman David Obey (WI-7) on January 26, 2009.
Summary	The legislation makes supplemental appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009 including $210 million for competitive grants to upgrade, modify or construct fire stations, grants for broadband deployment, and funding to fight wildfires.  The legislation also includes a waiver on the local match for the SAFER grant program for Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010.
Title	Establishment of September as Campus Fire Safety Month
Bill Number	S. Res. 40 H. Res. 167
Sponsor	S. Res. 40 Introduced by Senator Frank Lautenberg (NJ) on February 12, 2009.  H. Res. 167 Introduced by Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-8) on February 12, 2009.
Summary	A resolution supporting the establishment of September as Campus Fire Safety Month.
Title	Resolution designating a “National Firefighters Memorial Day”
Bill Number	H. Res. 729
Sponsor	H. Res. 729 Introduced by Congressman Ted Poe (TX-2) on September 10, 2009.
Summary	Urges the President to designate a National Firefighters Memorial Day in conjunction with the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service and encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with the appropriate ceremonies.

 

Legislation Considered - 110th Congress
Title	Protect Children from Dangerous Lighters Act of 2008
Bill Number	S. 3375
Sponsor	S. 3375 Introduced by Senator Ron Wyden on July 31, 2008.
Summary	The legislation prohibits the manufacture, importation, and sale of toy-like “novelty” lighters.
Title	Fiscal Year 2009 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act
Bill Number	S. 3181
Sponsor	S.3181 Introduced by Senator Robert Byrd on June 23, 2008.
Summary	Appropriates funds for programs and activities of the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2009.
Title	Volunteer Emergency Services Recruitment and Retention Act
Bill Number	H.R. 2160 S. 1840
Sponsor	H.R. 2160 Introduced by Congressman Peter King (NY-3) on May 3, 2007. S. 1840 Introduced by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY) on July 20, 2007.
Summary	Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow sponsors of certain deferred compensation plans to elect to include length of service award plans for bona fide volunteers providing fire fighting and prevention services, emergency medical services, ambulance services, and emergency rescue services.
Title	Federal Fire Fighters Fairness Act
Bill Number	H.R. 1442 S. 1924
Sponsor	H.R. 1442 Introduced by Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) on February 16, 2007. S. 1924 Introduced by Senator Thomas Carper (DE) on August 1, 2007.
Summary	Amends federal law to provide that, in the case of an employee in fire protection activities: (1) heart disease, lung disease, specified cancers and infectious diseases shall be presumed to be proximately caused by the employee's employment; (2) the disability or death of an employee in fire protection activities due to such a disease shall be presumed to result from personal injury sustained while in the performance of such employee's duty; and (3) such presumptions may be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence.
Title	Community Building Code Administration Grant Act
Bill Number	H.R. 4461 S. 2458
Sponsor	H.R. 4461 Introduced by Congressman Dennis Moore (KS-3) on December 12, 2007. S. 2458 Introduced by Senator Mary Landrieu (LA) on December 12, 2007.
Summary	Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award grants, on a competitive basis and with federal matching funds, to qualified local building code enforcement departments to increase staffing, provide staff training, increase staff competence and professional qualifications, support individual certification or departmental accreditation, or for capital expenditures specifically dedicated to department administration.
Title	Safe Building Code Incentive Act
Bill Number	H.R. 3926
Sponsor	H.R. 3926 Introduced by Congresswoman Doris Matsui on October 22, 2007.
Summary	Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to enhance existing programs providing mitigation assistance by encouraging States to adopt and actively enforce State building codes, and for other purposes.
Title	Legislation to Ban Novelty Lighters
Bill Number	H.R. 6488
Sponsor	H.R. 6488 Introduced by Congresswoman Darlene Hooley (OR-5) on July 14, 2008.
Summary	The legislation directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate a final consumer product safety rule banning novelty lighters.
Title	Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Personnel Job Protection Act
Bill Number	H.R. 1643 S. 2240
Sponsor	H.R. 1643 Introduced by Congressman Robert Andrews (NJ-1) on March 22, 2007. S. 2240 Introduced by Senator Thomas Carper (DE) on October 25, 2007.
Summary	Prohibits any employee from being terminated, demoted, or discriminated against because the employee is absent or late as a result of serving as a volunteer firefighter or providing volunteer emergency medical services as part of a response to a federally declared emergency or major disaster.
Title	Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act
Bill Number	S. 582 H.R. 1742
Sponsor	S. 582 Introduced by Senator Gordon Smith (OR) on February 14, 2007. H.R. 1742 Introduced by Congressman James Langevin (RI) on March 28, 2007.
Summary	The legislation will classify the retrofit of automatic fire sprinkler systems as five-year property for purposes of tax depreciation.
Title	Automated Defibrillation in Adam's Memory Reauthorization Act
Bill Number	S. 693
Sponsor	S. 693 Introduced by Senator Russ Feingold (WI) on February 27, 2007.
Summary	The legislation will reauthorize the Automated Defibrillation in Adam’s Memory Act  through 2011.  The Adam Act authorizes the use of grant funds to establish a national information clearinghouse that provides information to increase public access to defibrillation in schools.
Title	Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act
Bill Number	H.R. 943 S. 1466
Sponsor	H.R. 943 Introduced by Congressman John Larson (CT) on February 8, 2007. S. 1466 Introduced by Senator Christopher Dodd (CT) on May 23, 2007.
Summary	The legislation will amend the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from income and employment taxes any property tax rebates or other benefits provided to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders.
Title	College Fire Prevention Act
Bill Number	HR 642
Sponsor	H.R. 642 Introduced by Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (OH) on January 23, 2007.
Summary	Directs the Secretary of Education to make competitive demonstration grants to private or public colleges or universities, fraternities, or sororities for up to half the cost of installing fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in student housing and dormitories owned or controlled by such entities.
Title	Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007
Bill Number	H.R. 980 S. 2123
Sponsor	H.R. 980 Introduced by Congressman Dale Kildee (MI-5) on February 12, 2007.  S. 2123 Introduced by Senator Judd Gregg (NH) on October 1, 2007.
Summary	Provides collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by states or local governments.
Title	Nursing Facility Fire Safety Act of 2007
Bill Number	H.R. 2521 S. 1615
Sponsor	H.R. 2521 Introduced by Congressman John Larson (CT-1) on May 24, 2007. S. 1615 Introduced by Senator Christopher Dodd (CT) on June 13, 2007.
Summary	Establishes direct grants and loans for retrofitting nursing facilities with automatic fire sprinkler systems.
Approved Legislation - 110th Congress
Title	Fiscal Year 2009 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act
Bill Number	H.R. 2638
Sponsor	H.R. 2638 Introduced by Congressman David Price (NC-4) on June 8, 2007
Summary	The legislation consolidated several spending bills to appropriate funds for programs and activities for fiscal year 2009, including those under the Department of Homeland Security.
Title	United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act
Bill Number	H.R. 4847 S. 2606
Sponsor	H.R. 4847 Introduced by Congressman Harry Mitchell (AZ-5) on December 19, 2007. S. 2240 Introduced by Senator Christopher Dodd (CT) on February 7, 2008.
Summary	Authorizes programs and activities of the United States Fire Administration.
Title	Campus Fire Safety Right to Know Act
Bill Number	H.R. 592 S. 354
Sponsor	H.R. 592 Introduced by Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ) on January 19, 2007. S. 354 Introduced by Senator Frank Lautenberg (NJ) on January 22, 2007.
Summary	Requires colleges and universities to provide to all current students and employees, and to any applicant for enrollment or employment upon request, an annual fire safety report containing specified information about the campus fire safety practices and standards of that institution. *This legislation was included in the passage of H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, on July 31, 2008.
Title	Fiscal Year 2008 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act
Bill Number	H.R. 2638 S. 1644
Sponsor	H.R. 2638 Introduced by Congressman David Price (NC-4) on June 6, 2007. S. 1644 Introduced by Senator Robert Byrd (WV) on June 18, 2007.
Summary	Appropriates funds for programs and activities of the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2008.  *Passed as part of H.R. 2764, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008.
Title	Fiscal Year 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act
Bill Number	H.R. 2764
Sponsor	H.R. 2764 Introduced by Congresswoman Nita Lowey (NY-18) on June 18, 2007.
Summary	Consolidates 11 spending bills to appropriate funds for programs and activities for fiscal year 2008, including those under the Department of Homeland Security.
Action
Title	Establishment of September as Campus Fire Safety Month
Bill Number	H. Res. 95 S. Res. 105
Sponsor	H. Res 95 Introduced by Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (OH) on January 24, 2007. S. Res. 105 Introduced by Senator Joseph Biden on March 14, 2007.
Summary	A resolution supporting the establishment of September as Campus Fire Safety Month.
Action	H. Res. 95 approved by House on September 25, 2007. S. Res. 105 approved by Senate on June 20, 2007.
Title	Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act
Bill Number	H.R. 1 S. 4
Sponsor	H.R. 1 Introduced by Congressman Bennie Thompson (MS) on January 5, 2007. S. 4 Introduced by Senator Harry Reid (NV) on January 4, 2007.
Summary	The legislation implementation of recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission) including “risk-based” allocation of first responder grants and establishing interoperable communications systems.
Action	President signed into law on August 3, 2007.
Title	Resolution to Memorialize Fallen Firefighters
Bill Number	S. Res. 171
Sponsor	S. Res. 171 Introduced by Senator Susan Collins (ME) on April 25, 2007.
Summary	A resolution memorializing America’s fallen firefighters and calling on flags at all federal facilities to be flown at half-staff on the day of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.
Action	S. Res. 171 approved by Senate on June 11, 2007.

 

Legislation Passed in 109th Congress

• Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2006
  (H.R. 2360) Introduced by Congressman Harold Rogers (KY) on May 13, 2005.
  Summary: Appropriates funds for programs and activities of the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2006.
  

Legislation Considered in 109th Congress

• Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2005
  (S. 512) Introduced by Senator Rick Santorum (PA) on March 3, 2005.
  (H.R. 1131) Introduced by Congressman Curt Weldon (PA) on March 3, 2005.
  Summary: The legislation will classify the retrofit of automatic fire sprinkler systems as five-year property for purposes of tax depreciation.
  
• Cigarette Fire Safety Act of 2005
  (S. 389) Introduced by Senator Richard Durbin (IL) on February 15, 2005.
  (H.R. 1850) Introduced by Congressman Edward Markey (MA) on April 26, 2005.
  Summary: The legislation will set ignition standards for cigarettes causing the cigarette to self-extinguish if left un-smoked.
  
• Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act of 2005
  (HR 2637) Introduced by Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ) on May 25, 2005.
  (S. 1196) Introduced by Senator Jon Corzine (NJ) on June 8, 2005.
  Summary: Requires colleges and universities to provide to all current students and employees, and to any applicant for enrollment or employment upon request, an annual fire safety report containing specified information about the campus fire safety practices and standards of that institution.
  Note: H.R. 2637 was attached to HR 609, the College Access and Opportunity Act, which was approved by the House of Representatives on March 30, 2006.
  
• Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Personnel Job Protection Act
  (H.R. 3949) Introduced by Congressman Michael Castle (DE) on September 29, 2005.
  (S. 2399) Introduced by Senator Thomas Carper (DE) on March 9, 2006.
  Summary: Prohibits any person from being terminated, demoted, or discriminated against in the terms or conditions of employment because the employee is absent or late as a result of responding as a volunteer firefighter or performing volunteer emergency medical services in an official capacity to a Presidentially declared disaster.
  
• College Fire Prevention Act
  (HR 128) Introduced by Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (OH) on January 4, 2005.
  Summary: Directs the Secretary of Education to make competitive demonstration grants to private or public colleges or universities, fraternities, or sororities for up to half the cost of installing fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in student housing and dormitories owned or controlled by such entities.
  
• SAVE LIVES Act
  (S. 1237) Introduced by Senator John McCain (AZ) on June 14, 2005.
  Summary: Creates a hard date of December 31, 2008 for the transfer of spectrum for the use by public safety.
  Note: S. 1932, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 contained language setting a hard date of February 17, 2009 for the transfer of spectrum for the use by public safety. The President signed S. 1932 on February 8, 2006.
  
• HERO Act
  (H.R. 1646) Introduced by Congresswoman Jane Harman on April 14, 2005.
  Summary: Creates a hard date of December 31, 2006 for the transfer of spectrum for the use by public safety.
  Note: S. 1932, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 contained language setting a hard date of February 17, 2009 for the transfer of spectrum for the use by public safety. The President signed S. 1932 on February 8, 2006.
  
• Homeland Security Grant Enhancement Act of 2005
  (S. 21) Introduced by Senator Susan Collins (ME) on January 25, 2005.
  Summary: The legislation would streamline and enhance coordination of Homeland Security grant programs.
  
• Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2005
  (H.R. 1544) Introduced by Congressman Christopher Cox (CA) on April 12, 2005.
  Summary: The legislation would streamline and enhance coordination of Homeland Security grant programs.
  
• Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006
  (H.R. 1817) Introduced by Congressman Christopher Cox (CA) on April 26, 2005.
  Summary: The legislation authorizes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2006.
• Establishment of September as Campus Fire Safety Month
  (S Res 224) Introduce by Senator Mike DeWine (OH) on July 29, 2005
  (H Res 295) Introduced by Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (OH) on May 24, 2005
  Summary: A resolution supporting the establishment of September as Campus Fire Safety Month.

Legislation Passed in 108th Congress

• Consolidated Appropriations Resolution of 2003
  (H.J. Res.2) Introduced by Congressman C.W.Bill Young (FL) on 1/07/03
  Description: Consolidates non-defense related appropriations for FY2003 [Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-State, District of Columbia, Energy and water development, Foreign operations, Interior, Labor-HHS-Education, Legislative branch, Transportation, Treasury-Postal Service, VA-HUD]. Includes $750 million more for long-term health monitering of emergency service personnel who responded to the World Trade Center, and $2.1 billion for wildfire management.
• Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2004
  (H.R. 2555) Introduced by Congressman Harold Rogers (KY) on 6/23/03.
  Description: Makes appropriations for the department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending in September 30, 2004, including $750 M for the FIRE Act Grant Program.
• Automatic Defibrillation in Adam's Memory Act
  (H.R. 389) Introduced by Congressman John Shimkus(IL) on 1/27/03
  (S. 231) Introduced by Senator Russ Feingold (WI) on 1/29/03
  

  Description: Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the use of certain grant funds to establish a national information clearinghouse that provides information to increase public access to defibrillation in schools.

• Smallpox Emergency Personnel Protection Act of 2003.
  (H.R. 1770) Introduced by Congressman Richard Burr(NC) on 4/11/03.
  Description: Under the legislation, volunteers who are permanently disabled as a result of receiving the smallpox vaccination will receive up to $50,000 annually in lost wages, with no lifetime cap. Volunteers who are temporarily or partially disabled can receive the same annual compensation, but they face a lifetime limit of $262, 100 An amount of $262,000 would be paid to spouses of volunteers who die as a result of receiving the vaccine. Dependents of those who are killed can receive $262,000 in a lump sum, or $50,000 annually unril they are 18.
• United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2003.
  (S. 1152) Introduced by Senator John McCain (AZ) on 5/23/03.
  (H.R. 2692) Introduced by Congressman Nick Smith (MI) on 7/10/03.
  Description: The legislation reestablishes the position of the United States Fire Administrator and authorizes appropriations for the United States Fire Administration through the fiscal year 2008.
• Firefighter Research and Coordination Act
  (S. 321) Introduced by Senator John McCain (AZ) on 2/5/03.
  (H.R. 545) Introduced by Congressman Dave Camp (MI) on 2/5/03.
  Description: The legislation directs certain federal agencies, in cooperation with national voluntary consensus standards organizations, to develop a scientific basis for the private sector development of standards for new fire fighting technology. The legislation also directs the United States Fire Administration (USFA) to provide technical assistance and training to state and local jurisdictions in developing state, regional and national mutual aide agreements. In addition, the bill gives the National Fire Academy more latitude in the types of terrorism training programs it conducts for our nation's first responders and authorizes USFA to study the issue of a national credentialing system. Note: This bill was attached to the USFA Reauthorization Act, which was signed into law on December 6, 2003.
• Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act of 2003
  (S. 459) Introduced by Senator Patrick Leahy (VT) on 2/26/03.
  (H.R. 919) Introduced by Congressman Bob Etheridge (NC) on 2/26/03.
  Description: To ensure that a public safety officer who suffers a fatal heart attack or stroke while on duty shall be presumed to have died in the line of duty for purposes of public safety officer survivor benefits.
• Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Firefighters Act of 2003
  (H.R. 1118) Introduced by Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (NY) on 3/06/03.
  (S.544) Introduced by Senator Christopher Dodd (CT) on 3/5/03.
  Description: Authorizes the U.S. Fire Administrator to make direct four-year grants for the hiring of firefighters in career, volunteer, and combination fire departments.
  Note: This bill was attached to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 which was sign into law on November 24, 2003.
• Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003.
  (H.R. 1904) Introduced by Scott McInnis (CO)on 5/01/03.
  Description: To improve the capacity of the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to plan and conduct hazardous fuels reduction projects on National Forest System Lands and Bureau of Land Management lands aimed at protecting communities, watersheds, and certain other at-risk lands from catastrophic wildfire,and to enhance efforts to protect watersheds and address threats to forest and rangeland health, including catastrophic wildfire.
• Department of Homeland Security Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2005
  (H.R. 4567) Introduced by Congressman Harold Roagers (KY) on 6/15/2004.
  (S. 2537) Introduced by Senator Thad Cochran (MS) on 6/17/04.
  Description: Makes appropriations for the department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending in September 30, 2005.
• The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Reauthorization Act of 2004
  (H.R. 4107) Introduced by Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (NY) on 4/1/04.
  (S. 2411) Introduced by Senator Christopher Dodd (CT) on 5/11/04.
  Description: The legislation authorizes Congress to make appropriations for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) for fiscal years 2005 through 2007 at $900 million per year. This bill was attached to the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 which was sign into law on October 28, 2004.

   

• 9/11 Recommendations Implementation Act/National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004
  (H.R. 10) Introduced by Congressman J. Dennis Hastert (IL) on 9/24/04.
  (S. 2845) Introduced by Senator Susan M. Collins (ME) on 9/23/04.
  Description: Implements recommendations of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (also known as the 9/11 Commission) including intelligence reform, distribution of first responder homeland security grants, interoperable communications, and spectrum reallocation.
• Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act
  (H.R. 1824) Introduced by Congressman Curt Weldon (PA) on 3/11/03.
  (S. 1566) Introduced by Senator Jon Corzine.
  Description: The legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to declassify automatic fire sprinkler systems as 5-year property for purposes of depreciation, creating an incentive for the retro-fit of automatic sprinkler systems in commercial properties.
• Homeland Emergency Response Operations (HERO) Act
  (H.R. 1425) Introduced by Congresswoman Jane Harman (CA) on 3/25/03.
  Desription: The legislation will to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from granting any extension beyond December 31, 2006, for the reassignment of the frequencies assigned for public safety services.
• Cigarette Fire Safety Act of 2004
  (H.R. 4155) Introduced by Congressman Edward Markey (MA) on 4/2/04.
  Description: The legislation will set ignition standards for cigarettes causing the cigarette to self-extinguish if left un-smoked.
• Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2003
  (H.R. 3266) Introduced by Congressman Christopher Cox (CA) on 10/8/03.
  Description: Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a State and Regional First Responder Grant Program under which the Secretary may make grants to States and eligible regional entities on the basis of the threat to a State or region's population and critical infrastructure, as determined by the Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection.
• Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act of 2003.
  (H.R. 2683) Introduced by Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ) on 7/09/03.
  (S. 1385) Introduced by Senator Jon Corzine (NJ) on 7/09/03.
  Description: Legislation to provide for disclosure of fire safety standards and measures with respect to campus buildings, and for other purposes.
• Rural Fire Department Equipment Priority Act of 2003
  (H.R. 1311) Introduced by Congressman Mike Ross (AR) on 3/18/03.
  (S. 641) Introduced by Senator Blanche Lincoln (AR) on 3/18/03.
  Description: The legislation increase the priority level of rural and volunteer fire departments excess property from the Department of Defense is available in the Federal Excess Personal Property Program.
• Southwest Forest Health and Wildfire Prevention Act of 2003.
  (S. 32) Introduced by Senator Jon Kyl (AZ) on 1/07/03
  (H.R. 2696) Introduced by Congressman Rick Renzi (AZ) on 7/10/03 Description: To establish Institutes to demonstrate and promote the use of adaptive ecosystem management to reduce the risk of wildfires, and restore the health of fire-adapted forest and woodland ecosystems of the interior West.
• Fallen Heroes Act of 2003
  (H.R. 527) Introduced by Congressman Peter King (NY) on 2/04/03.
  (S.534) Introduced by Senator George Allen (VA) on 3/05/03.
  Description: To provide Capitol-flown flags to the immediate family of fire fighters,law enforcement offices, emergency medical technicians,and other rescue workers who are killed in the line of duty.
• Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2003
  (H.R. 814) Introduced by Congressman Dale Kildee (MI) on 2/13/03.
  Description: Legislation to provide collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by States or their political subdivisions.
• Public Lands Fire Regulations Enforcement Act
  (H.R.1038) Introduced by Congressman Thomas Tancredo (CO) on 2/27/03.
  (S. 833) Introduced by Senator Wayne Allard (CO) on 4/9/03.
  Description: The legislation increases the penalties to be imposed for a violation of fire regulations applicable to the public lands, National Park System lands, or National Forest System lands when the violation results in damage to public or private property.
• Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2003.
  (H.R. 1101) Introduced by Congressman Ciro Rodriguez (TX) on 3/05/03.
  (S. 530)Introduced by Senator John Kerry (MA) on 3/05/03. Description: Legislation assuming the disability or disease of a federal fire protection employee to be caused by the employee's occupation, and that the disability ofr death of an employee due to such illness is considered to be the result of the employee's performance of duties.
• Good Samaritan Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Act
  (H.R. 1787) Introduced by Congressman Michael Castle(DE) on 3/11/03.
  Description: The legislation states that a person (including a govermental or other entity) who donates fire control or fire rescue equipment to a volunteer fire company shall not be liable for State or Federal civil damages for personal injuries, property damage or loss, or death proximately caused by the equipment after the donation caused by the equipment after after the donation. If the person's act or omission causing the injury, damage, loss, or death constitutes gross negligence, or intentional misconduct; or if the person is the manufacturer of such equipment, this act is waived.
• College Fire Prevention Act
  (H.R. 1613) Introduced by Congresswoman Stephanie Tubb Jones (OH) on 4/03/03.
  Description: The legislation establishes a grant program to be administered by the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the United States Fire Administration (USFA), to award grants to eligible entities for the purpose of installing fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppressio or prevention technologies, in student housing and dormitories owned or controlled by such entities.
• Emergency Preparedness and Response Act of 2003.
  (S. 930) Introduced by Senator James Inhofe (OK) on 4/28/03.
  Description: The legislation establishes a program to provide assistance to prepare for and respond to all hazards.
• Public Safety Officer Protection Act of 2003.
  (H.R. 1960) Introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (CA)on 5/06/03.
  Description: The legislation broadens the Public Safety Officer Survivor Benefit to cover a public safety officer who dies or becomes permanently disabled as a result of cancer.
• Vaccine Compensation Bill/Project Bioshield Act of 2003
  (H.R. 2122) Introduced by Congressman Billy Tauzin (LA) on 5/15/03.
  (S.1504) Introduced by Senator Judd Gregg (NH) on 7/30/03.
  Description: To enhance research, development, procurement,and use of biomedical countermeasures to respond to public health threats affecting national security.
• Homeland Security Grant Enhancement Act of 2003.
  (S.1245) Introduced by Senator Susan Collins (ME) on 6/12/03.
  Description: The legislation would create an Interagency Committee to coordinate and streamline Homeland Security grant programs, allow States to reallocate funds from the ODP grant,and would move the Office of Domestic Preparedness(ODP) and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant to the Department of Homeland Security's Office for State and Local Goverment Coordination.
• Enhanced 911 Emergency Communications Act of 2003.
  (S.1250) Introduced by Senator Conrad Burns (MT)on 6/12/03.
  (H.R.2898) Introduced by Congressman John Shimkus (IL) on 7/25/03.
  Description: The legislation would create a task force to facilitate coordination between federal, state, and local communications systems, authorizes $500 million per year for grants to enhance emergency communications through planning, infrastructure improvements, equipment purchases in consultation with the United States Department of Homeland Security.It would also require states to certify that no E9-1-1 fees are being used for other purposes.