2016 HB 3667 Grant: Workers' Compensation, Death, and/or Disability coverage

2016 HB 3667 Grant: Workers' Compensation, Death, and/or Disability coverage - The 77th Texas Legislature (HB3667) created the Rural VFD Insurance Program and is funded by a 2% sales tax on the sale of fireworks. The program provides reimbursement grants for Texas firefighters to obtain workers compensation, death and disability insurance from private insurance companies. Each year more than 400 fire departments and 11,000 firefighters take advantage of the grant offering.

Who is eligible?
Any chartered, non-profit volunteer or part-paid/volunteer fire department is eligible, provided the number of paid members is 20 or less. All qualified departments must participate in a firefighter certification program administered under Section 419.071 of the Texas Government Code (Texas Commission on Fire Protection), or by the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshal’s Association of Texas (SFFMA), or by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).

What is eligible?
Any combination of compensation insurance for firefighters (workers' compensation, death, and/or disability insurance) is eligible. The insurance coverage must include a workers' compensation or similar benefit, and a death benefit. Departments may enter into agreements with cities or counties in order to qualify for coverage and/or special premiums.

How much will it pay...
The program will reimburse 100% of the actual cost of eligible insurance coverage, up to a maximum of $125.00 per fire department member covered in the calendar year 2016.

• Historical Funding Summaries

How to apply...
It's easy, simply read the Application Procedure, complete the following forms and submit via fax, email or mail. Please submit these forms only once during the enrollment period of Dec. 1, 2015 thru Aug. 31, 2016. 

• Application Procedure
• Rural Volunteer Fire Department Insurance Program (HB 3667) Application for Grant Assistance (TFS-FO-408)
• Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (W-9)
• 2016 Fire Department Roster
• Copy of Payroll Classification Schedule Page 1 and 2, or payment receipt for a Workers' Compensation Insurance Policy, or Death Insurance Policy, or Disability Insurance Policy

    
Fax: (979) 845-6160
Call: (979) 458-6505
Email: ffins@tfs.tamu.edu

Mail:  
Texas A&M Forest Service
Capacity Building Department
200 Technology Way, Suite 1162
College Station, TX  77845-3424

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