The Aviation Assurance Funding Program (program) provides state aviation resources to local fire departments in limited circumstances.  The program requires the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to use suppression funding, subject to availability, to assist local fire departments with aerial response during initial attacks meeting certain parameters.  Local fire departments must:

• have entered into a response agreement with the DNR;
• provide documentation of specific personnel training; and
• make direct requests to the appropriate coordination center.

Aviation assets used in the initial attack must come from a list of private contractors approved by the DNR on certain agreements, based on the DNR's annual review of needs.

The DNR must provide information to the Legislature in an annual report regarding program usage, lessons learned, and recommendations for future improvements.  The DNR must annually consult with the State Fire Defense Committee, fire service representatives, and the State Fire Marshal's Office to review the program performance and upcoming aviation needs.

The authorizing legislation for the program expires July 1, 2027. 

The expiration date of the legislation creating the program is repealed, making it permanent.