SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law led by State Senator Mary Edly-Allen, fire protection districts will be able to use funds to update, purchase and maintain new property and vehicles.

“This law gives a much needed update to the Fire Protection District Act that hasn’t been updated in decades. It is critical we continue to find ways to support our emergency services in any financial capacity we can,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “By allowing local government to accumulate these funds, real improvement will be made to address the quality of emergency medical services that are typically underfunded.”

House Bill 4359 allows the Board of Trustees of any fire protection district in the state to accumulate funds from its ambulance fund and emergency and rescue fund to improve the quality of services that emergency medical and rescue services provide. 

Additionally, with the funds saved, the districts will be able to perform training, purchase new equipment and post-employment benefits will be covered – providing a comprehensive upgrade to EMS services and their operations.

"As a local unit of government, fire districts do not have the same advantage as municipal fire departments have with respect to revenue streams,” said Dan Pierre, Fire Chief for Grayslake Fire Protection District. “This amendment to the Fire Protection Act will help fire districts keep their mission of providing prompt and efficient emergency services."

“Whether the fire protection district intends to use the funds on acquiring or building property or purchasing vehicles and equipment this law will ensure that your local emergency and rescue services will be readily equipped,” said Edly-Allen. “It’s a simple fix in existing language to make real improvement for our most needed services.”

House Bill 4359 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.