SB315 Summary

• Amends Section 9-3-17, Code of Alabama 1975, to establish detailed minimum requirements for volunteer fire department certification by the Alabama Forestry Commission, including personnel standards, training, and equipment specifications.

• Requires volunteer fire departments to have at least 4 members with no less than 80 percent unsalaried membership and mandate monthly emergency response reporting to the commission.

• Specifies minimum fire fighting apparatus requirements including one tanker truck capable of carrying 500 gallons of water and pumping 250 gallons per minute, pre-connected fire hose, extension ladders, hand tools, and one two-way radio assigned to the apparatus.

• Authorizes the Alabama Forestry Commission to certify departments meeting minimum requirements and actively responding to emergencies, and to decertify departments that fail to maintain compliance.

• Empowers the Forestry Commission to adopt rules establishing procedures for certification and decertification, with noncooperating departments reviewed by the Alabama Association of Volunteer Fire Departments.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.