Sen. Chip Curry bill to support volunteer first responders signed into law by Gov. Mills
AUGUSTA — On Monday, June 9, Governor Janet Mills signed into law LD 786, a bill from Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast, that would strengthen support for Maine’s volunteer first responders.
“Volunteer first responders step up time and again, often with little recognition, to serve their neighbors in moments of need,” said Sen. Curry. “They show up for our communities in times of crisis, and it’s our job to make sure we show up for them. This bill makes a simple but meaningful change that will help ensure the Length of Service Award Program is sustainable for years to come, and I’m proud to see it signed into law.”
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 does not provide 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 131stLegislature, also sponsored by Sen. Curry, which secured a one-time $500,000 allocation for LOSAP in 2023.
LD 786 will become law 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die.
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.