SB496 Summary

• Abolishes the State Fire Prevention Commission effective July 1, 2023, transferring all its authority, duties, functions, records, contracts, personnel, property, and unexpended balances to the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board.

• Repeals Arkansas Code Title 20, Chapter 22, Subchapter 2 (State Fire Prevention Commission statutes), while preserving the validity of all orders, rules, directives, registration, licensing, and standards previously made by the Commission.

• Increases Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board membership from 15 to 17 members and adds 2 new members appointed after consulting the Arkansas Fire Marshal's Association.

• Expands the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board's duties to include all fire prevention responsibilities formerly held by the State Fire Prevention Commission, including statewide fire prevention planning, database development, and public awareness programs.

• Declares an emergency to make the act effective July 1, 2023, to coincide with the state fiscal year and the Department of Public Safety appropriation bill.