Sen. Chip Curry bill to support volunteer first responders advances with unanimous Senate approval
Today, the Maine Senate voted unanimously to give initial approval to LD 786, a bill from Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast, that would strengthen support for Maine’s volunteer first responders.
“Volunteer first responders are the backbone of public safety in rural Maine,” said Sen. Curry. “This bill is a commonsense step to ensure the State lives up to its promise to those who train, respond and serve without expecting anything in return. I’m proud to see the Senate recognize the value of this program and the people it supports.”
LD 786, “An Act to Promote Public Safety and Retain Essential First Responders by Converting the Maine Length of Service Award Program Fund to a Nonlapsing Fund,” would improve the sustainability of the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP), a retirement benefit for volunteer emergency responders who meet annual training and service requirements.
The bill, as amended by the committee, does not provide for any new funding. However, it would ensure that any unspent funds in the program would carry over from year to year, rather than lapsing at the end of the fiscal year. This change would help LOSAP build a more stable reserve, provide long-term flexibility and reduce the pressure for large year-to-year appropriations.
LD 786 builds on efforts from previous sessions, including LD 588 from the 131st Legislature, also sponsored by Sen. Curry, which secured a one-time $500,000 allocation in 2023.
LD 786 faces additional votes in the House and Senate.
Sen. Curry is serving his third term in the Maine Senate, representing all of Waldo County. He serves as the Senate Chair of the Housing and Economic Development Committee and sits on the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.