HB 1659 Summary

• Expands the Rural Fire Departments Study Committee by adding 10 new nonvoting ex officio members, including representatives from the State Fire Marshal's office, Insurance Commissioner, Arkansas Forestry Association, volunteer firefighters, fire chiefs, nonprofit fire departments, and the Insurance Services Office, Inc.

• Changes the appointment process for the Arkansas State Firefighters Association member from "to represent" to "be recommended by" the association, with appointment by the Speaker of the House.

• Adds eight new areas of study for the committee including recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters, fire department consolidation, conversion of departments to fire protection districts, and financial solvency analysis.

• Requires the committee to develop a comprehensive plan to bring all fire departments' Insurance Services Office Public Protection Classification rating to Class 6 or less by January 1, 2024, reviewing volunteer numbers, department locations, and equipment at each facility.

• Directs the committee to study the role of fire department consultants and establish guidelines and qualifications for consulting services.