AB 1648 Summary

• Requires firefighters and volunteer firefighters to obtain a firefighter endorsement on a class A, B, or C driver's license to operate firefighting equipment, effective January 1, 2011.

• Establishes requirements for firefighter endorsement including proof of current employment/volunteer status, completion of Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A training (minimum 16 hours classroom and 14 hours behind-the-wheel), passing a written firefighter examination, and submitting a medical examination report.

• Exempts regularly organized fire departments from paying fees to participate in the pull-notice system for monitoring driver records.

• Permits firefighting equipment to be operated under direct supervision for training purposes without requiring the full firefighter endorsement.

• Defines "firefighting equipment" as motor vehicles owned or controlled by fire departments used to respond to emergencies or transport emergency equipment.