9.1-205 - Thermal Imaging Camera Grant Fund established.
§ 9.1-205. Thermal Imaging Camera Grant Fund established.
A. From only such funds as are appropriated from the general fund by theGeneral Assembly for this purpose and from such gifts, donations, grants,bequests and other funds as may be received on its behalf, there is herebycreated in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as theVirginia Thermal Imaging Camera Grant Fund, hereinafter referred to as the"VTIC Fund." No moneys from the Fire Programs Fund established pursuant to§ 38.2-401 may be used or expended for the VTIC Fund. The VTIC Fund isestablished to assist the localities of the Commonwealth providing fireservice operations in purchasing thermal imaging cameras and equipmentassociated with the use of thermal imaging cameras. The VTIC Fund shall beadministered by the Department of Fire Programs and established on the booksof the Comptroller. Any moneys remaining in the VTIC Fund at the end of eachfiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the VTICFund. Moneys in the VTIC Fund shall not be diverted or expended for anypurpose not authorized by this section. Notwithstanding any other provisionof law to the contrary, policies established by the Virginia Fire ServicesBoard, and any grants provided from the VTIC Fund, that are not inconsistentwith the purposes set out in this section shall be binding upon any localitythat accepts such funds or related grants. Expenditures for administration ofand disbursements from the VTIC Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer onwarrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by theExecutive Director of the Department of Fire Programs or his designee.
B. When, and only if, funds are available in the VTIC Fund, a VirginiaThermal Imaging Camera Advisory Panel (the Panel) shall be convened to makerecommendations to the Department of Fire Programs for the use of the VTICFund. The Panel shall consist of eleven members as follows: three membersfrom the State Fire Chief's Association, three members from the VirginiaProfessional Firefighters Association and three members from the VirginiaState Firefighters Association, appointed by the Fire Services Board from alist of names submitted by each such organization. At least two members shallbe appointed from each of the fire program areas established by theDepartment of Fire Programs. The Panel shall be selected annually only ifmoneys are available in the VTIC Fund and shall report directly to theExecutive Director of the Department of Fire Programs. The Panel shall nothave any responsibility or authority over any other matters not specified inthis section. Members of the Panel shall not receive compensation, but shallbe reimbursed for their reasonable and necessary expenses in the discharge oftheir duties.
(2002, c. 721.)