Ritchie Introduces Legislation To Enhance Live Training For First Responders

State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing she has introduced legislation that would help to enhance emergency training for first responders by providing tax credits to individuals who donate materials or equipment to emergency response organizations that can be used for “live training” programs and exercises.

Senate bill 1462 would create the “First Responder Live Training Credit,” which would allow certain taxpayers to be eligible for credit of up to $3,000 based on the value of equipment or materials donated to first responder live training programs. 

“It’s critically important that our emergency responders have the equipment necessary to train and be prepared for any situation they might find themselves in,” said Senator Ritchie.

“Through this legislation, we can encourage people to make donations that will allow those who put their lives on the line to protect the public to take part in realistic training programs that will help to make the communities they serve in safer.”

The measure is seen as a way to help first responder agencies and organizations become an attractive donation option for individuals with salvage-grade vehicles or materials, allowing them to better conduct realistic training programs, including removing mock victims from cars or other heavy equipment in the field. Under the bill, items donated must be used in a training session for the donor to receive the credit.