HB215 Summary

• Amends Section 9-3-17 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to establish and clarify minimum requirements for volunteer fire department certification by the Alabama Forestry Commission.

• Specifies equipment requirements including one tanker truck capable of carrying and pumping 500 gallons of water at 250 gallons per minute, 400 feet of pre-connected fire hose with handline nozzles, extension ladder, hand tools, and fire extinguishers.

• Requires volunteer fire departments to maintain at least 80 percent unsalaried membership, comprise no fewer than four members, attend regularly scheduled meetings and training, and submit monthly emergency response reports.

• Authorizes the Alabama Forestry Commission to decertify departments that fail to continue meeting minimum certification requirements and actively responding to emergencies.

• Grants the Alabama Forestry Commission authority to adopt rules establishing procedures for both certification and decertification of volunteer fire departments; becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.