The House of Representatives passed S. 265, the SIREN Reauthorization Act, on September 17.
This legislation will extend funding for the Rural EMS Training and Equipment Assistance (REMSTEA) program through 2028, as reported by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC).
The grant program, located within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), provides direct support to rural fire and non-profit EMS organizations.
The funds are used to train and certify EMS personnel and to purchase essential medical equipment.
S. 265 was first introduced by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Susan Collins (R-ME) on February 2, 2023.
It passed the Senate on December 13 and subsequently moved through the House.
The bill now awaits President Biden’s signature to be enacted into law.
The SIREN Reauthorization Act includes several updates to the REMSTEA program.
One of the notable changes is the removal of the 10% local match requirement for grant recipients, which previously added a financial burden on rural EMS agencies.
This change allows rural fire and EMS departments to access grant funds without the need for matching contributions from local governments or organizations.
Another important provision of the bill mandates that EMS personnel be trained to address mental health and substance abuse emergencies.
This includes ensuring that grant recipients have the resources to provide care for individuals suffering from mental health crises or substance abuse disorders.
S. 265 clarifies that the REMSTEA program funds can be used to purchase life-saving medications, such as Naloxone, to treat opioid overdoses.
This addition to the bill reflects the growing opioid epidemic and the increasing role of rural EMS personnel in responding to overdose emergencies.
The House companion bill, H.R. 4646, was introduced by Representatives David Joyce (R-OH) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI).
With the support of 22 cosponsors, the bill was passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on March 20.
This alignment with S. 265 has facilitated the bill’s advancement through Congress.
Fire Chief Josh Waldo, President and Board Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, expressed his gratitude for the efforts behind the SIREN Reauthorization Act.
He said: “I thank Senators Durbin and Collins and Representatives Joyce and Dingell for taking the lead in preserving this important program.”
Waldo emphasized the importance of the SIREN grant program, highlighting the challenges rural EMS agencies have faced in recent years.
He stated: “Over the past five years, rural EMS has had to face several challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic; the opioid epidemic; declining budgets; and the recruitment and retention issues facing the nation’s fire and emergency service.
“The SIREN grant program throws a lifeline to these agencies as they struggle to serve their communities.”
The House of Representatives passed S. 265, known as the SIREN Reauthorization Act, on September 17.
The legislation extends the REMSTEA program, which provides funding for rural EMS training and equipment, through 2028.
Key provisions include eliminating the 10% local match requirement and authorizing the use of funds for mental health and substance abuse training.
The bill also clarifies that grant funds can be used to purchase drugs like Naloxone for overdose treatments.
Introduced by Senators Durbin and Collins, the bill passed the Senate in December 2023.
It is now set for President Biden’s approval, as reported by the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
