In order to remedy legislation that has proved unfavorable to local First Responders, State Rep. Themis Klarides (R-114) is sponsoring a bill to make it easier for firefighters to conduct charitable fundraisers. The proposal requires the Department of Transportation to issue special permits to fire departments that wish to host "fill-the-boot" fundraising drives on state highways, which is currently prohibited by state law.
The bill was prompted by an incident when Derby Firefighters were ordered to end a charitable "fill-the-boot" drive because it took place on a state road -- a policy that cripples charitable fundraising efforts and is enforced inconsistently. The bill has been referred to the Public Safety and Security Committee for further consideration, and has already garnered bipartisan support from lawmakers in the House and the Senate.
