HI SB146

Authorizes the state fire council to use moneys from the reduced ignition propensity cigarette program special fund to support council duties beyond just administering the cigarette program, including community fire education, safety programs, and hiring additional personnel.

Specifies testing procedures for reduced ignition propensity cigarettes, including initial testing of 25 brand samples, follow-up testing of failed brands, a 25% failure rate threshold, and a 30-day appeal process for manufacturers.

Allows the state fire council to employ full-time or part-time staff (administrators, administrative assistants, or other personnel) without regard to civil service chapters 76 or 89.

Adds civil penalties for manufacturers whose cigarette brands fail two successive tests with a failure rate of 25% or greater, and allows the attorney general to recover testing and enforcement costs in violation cases.

Expands the use of special fund moneys to cover community fire education programs (especially for youth and seniors), preparedness and life safety programs, and general administrative duties of the state fire council.