CT HB05489

Extends liability protection and defense cost coverage to volunteer fire police officers, in addition to volunteer firefighters and ambulance members, with municipalities required to cover legal fees and expenses for negligence claims.

Modifies property tax relief provisions to include volunteer fire police officers and active members of volunteer underwater search and rescue teams as eligible for municipal tax abatement programs (up to $1,000 annually or exemption based on mill rate).

Establishes a regional fire school approval process requiring the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection, in consultation with the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control and the Connecticut State Firefighters Association, to approve or deny applications within 60 days of submission.

Grants the commissioner authority to suspend or revoke approval of regional fire schools that fail to meet established standards, with a right to request a hearing within 10 days of notice.

Requires the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control to recommend approval or rejection of regional fire schools to the commissioner in accordance with new approval procedures (effective October 1, 2011).