Raised Bill No. 327 Summary

• Streamlines fire safety official certification by allowing the State Fire Marshal and Codes and Standards Committee to accept training programs from public or private institutions, in addition to conducting their own examinations and programs.

• Removes "eligibility" language from certification requirements, clarifying that officials must be "certified" rather than "eligible to be certified" to hold office.

• Authorizes local fire marshals to delegate their authority in writing to deputy fire marshals and fire inspectors to issue permits, orders, and certify compliance with fire safety regulations.

• Allows communities to appoint fire inspectors and investigators as additional classes of fire safety enforcement officials under the direction of the local fire marshal.

• Effective October 1, 2012.