§ 40:1510 — Expenditure of public funds for awards, recognition, and meals

§1510. Expenditure of public funds for awards, recognition, and meals
A. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a fire protection district,
municipal fire department, or volunteer fire department may expend public funds in
connection with the following activities:
(1) The purchase of a plaque, trophy, certificate, medal, or similar memento to
acknowledge outstanding achievement or valiant act of personnel not to exceed one hundred
dollars.
(2) Meals, snacks, or refreshments for firefighters involved in fire department related
meetings, workshops, training programs, or performing of emergency services not to exceed
twenty-five dollars per person.
(3) The implementation and execution of a length of service awards program. For
the purposes of this Paragraph, a length of service awards program means a program
established by the fire protection district, municipal fire department, or volunteer fire
department that provides a monetary benefit, based upon service, to eligible firefighters as
determined by the fire protection district, municipal fire department, or volunteer fire
department. The length of service awards program shall not be considered a vested right nor
entitle the recipient to any other benefit not directly related to the program's monetary
benefit. The length of service award shall not be considered permanent and may be
discontinued at any time.
B. The provisions of this Section shall not be construed to prohibit or restrict the use
of public funds to pay or defray the reasonable expenses of travel and lodging required for
attendance at any conference or convention for the purpose of educating or training fire
department personnel with regard to their public duties and responsibilities.

Legislative History

Acts 2012, No. 349, §1; Acts 2013, No. 262, §1; Acts 2024, No. 238, §1.