Substitute Bill No. 845 Summary

• Establishes a "Fire Prevention Code Committee" (replacing advisory committee) consisting of 9 members appointed by the State Fire Marshal, including 2 from the Codes and Standards Committee and 7 from the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association.

• Updates the State Fire Prevention Code to be based on nationally recognized fire codes and revised within 18 months of new code publications; includes provisions for hazardous chemicals and activities in buildings and structures constructed before January 1, 2006.

• Allows fire marshals to issue written citations (up to $250 fine) as alternative to orders for code violations; municipalities receive 90% of citation proceeds and state receives 10% when local fire marshals issue citations.

• Modifies the Code Training and Education Board of Control membership from 3 to 4 members from the Codes and Standards Committee and changes Fire Marshal Training Council representation from 3 to 1 member appointed by the House minority leader.

• Permits appointment of a temporary acting fire marshal for up to 180 days who holds fire marshal certification during absence of regular fire marshal; eliminates requirement that temporary appointee be a deputy fire marshal.