H 8153Cities & Towns

Towns and Cities - Payments to Fire Companies

The state must reimburse Exeter fire and rescue services for 75% of costs for calls on state property.

Held for study

Population
Affected

Introduced Feb 27, 2026Committee House Finance

Plain-English Summary

This legislation mandates that the State of Rhode Island reimburse specific emergency service providers in the town of Exeter. Specifically, the Exeter Volunteer Fire Department No. 1, Exeter Volunteer Fire Company 2, and associated ambulance and paramedic services will receive reimbursement for seventy-five percent (75%) of the costs incurred when responding to calls located on state-owned property. This creates a statutory requirement for the state to cover the majority of the expenses for emergency responses handled by these local agencies on state land.

For younger readers

This new law helps the fire fighters and ambulance workers in the town of Exeter. Sometimes, these emergency workers have to go to places that are owned by the state government, like state parks, to put out fires or help sick people. This law says that the state government must pay the Exeter fire and rescue teams back for most of the money it costs them to do their job when they are working on that state-owned land.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups

Exeter Volunteer Fire Department No. 1Exeter Volunteer Fire Company 2Exeter TaxpayersState of Rhode Island BudgetVisitors to State Property in Exeter

Impacted communities

Exeter

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

None Likely

Estimated cost

Amount unknown

Estimated revenue

None

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints

For Progressives

Ensures that a small, rural community is not unfairly burdened by the costs of providing emergency services to state-owned properties, promoting fiscal equity for local residents.
Strengthens the financial stability of volunteer fire departments and rescue services, which are critical components of the community safety net.
May improve the quality and reliability of emergency care for individuals visiting state parks and lands in Exeter by ensuring the responding agencies are adequately funded.
Allocates state funds to a specific municipality rather than establishing a comprehensive, equitable statewide policy for all towns that host state property.
Diverts money from the general state fund that could otherwise be utilized for broader social programs or statewide public services.
Lacks specific oversight language to ensure that the "costs" submitted for reimbursement are calculated fairly and transparently.

For Conservatives

Enforces the principle of personal responsibility on the state government by making it pay for the services it utilizes, rather than shifting the cost to local property taxpayers.
Supports essential first responders and emergency infrastructure, ensuring they have the resources necessary to protect life and property.
Protects the local sovereignty and budget of the town of Exeter from being drained by state-level obligations.
Increases state government spending without a corresponding offset, contributing to the overall growth of the state budget.
Sets a precedent that could lead to other municipalities demanding similar special carve-outs and reimbursements, potentially causing a cascade of increased government expenditures.
Mandates a fixed reimbursement rate without including provisions for competitive bidding or cost-control measures.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

Changes to existing Rhode Island law · 5 additions

SECTION 1. Chapter 45-18 of the General Laws entitled "Payments to Fire Companies" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: 45-18-4. Payments to Exeter fire and rescue service. The Exeter Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 and Exeter Volunteer Fire Company 2, as well as services provided by the Exeter ambulance transport, EMT intermediate, and paramedic care, shall be reimbursed by the state for seventy-five percent (75%) of the costs for any calls made on state property.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.