CT SB00120

Effective July 1, 2016, amends certification standards for local fire marshals, deputy fire marshals, fire inspectors, and fire code inspectors to include experience in fire suppression, fire prevention, hazardous materials response, fire investigation, or equivalent service as a sworn police officer, with a minimum of three years' experience required.

Requires the State Fire Marshal and Codes and Standards Committee to establish certification classes through examinations, approved training programs, or state-conducted training, with local fire officials required to complete at least 90 hours of training over three years.

Expands authority of deputy fire marshals and fire inspectors to issue permits, orders, and citations on behalf of the local fire marshal when authorized in writing.

Provides liability protection for deputy fire marshals, fire inspectors, and fire code inspectors acting in good faith and without malice in their official duties, with municipalities or fire districts required to defend any legal proceedings.

Allows appointment of a deputy fire marshal as acting fire marshal for up to 180 days when the local fire marshal dies, becomes disabled, is dismissed, or loses certification and no existing deputy fire marshal is available.