CT HB05150

Establishes minimum qualification standards for local fire marshals, deputy fire marshals, and fire inspectors requiring at least three years' experience in fire suppression, fire prevention, hazardous materials response, fire investigation, or sworn police service, or equivalent experience as determined by the State Fire Marshal and Codes and Standards Committee.

Requires the State Fire Marshal and Codes and Standards Committee to certify local fire officials through examinations, approved training programs, or state-conducted training programs, with certification mandatory for all appointments after October 1, 1979.

Mandates local fire marshals, deputy fire marshals, and fire inspectors complete at least 90 hours of training over a three-year period in addition to initial certification requirements.

Protects local fire officials from personal liability for damages resulting from actions taken in the discharge of official duties while acting in good faith for a municipality or fire district, with legal defense and costs covered by the municipality or fire district.

Allows appointed deputy fire marshals to serve as acting fire marshal for up to 180 days when the local fire marshal is deceased, disabled, dismissed, retired, or decertified and no existing deputy fire marshal is available.