HB 5483 Summary

• Establishes a Division of Fire Services Administration within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection effective July 1, 2025, transferring functions from the former Office of State Fire Administration with a State Fire Administrator as administrative head.

• Revises the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control composition effective July 1, 2025, expanding from 12 members to include representatives from additional organizations and changing selection methods, with the Governor appointing the chairperson after that date.

• Grants the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control new duties including establishing optional training programs for incidents involving juveniles and adults with autism spectrum disorder or cognitive impairment, and implementing recommendations from a 2023 fire service study.

• Authorizes regional fire schools to receive and use federal, state, or private funds or contributions for facilities and operations effective July 1, 2025.

• Establishes a working group by July 1, 2024, to study and recommend structural changes to the Office of State Fire Marshal and Office of Education and Data Management regarding code development, enforcement, fire prevention, and investigation functions, with report due January 1, 2025.