H.B. 1843 Summary

• Establishes the office of the state fire marshal within the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, appointed by the state fire council for a ten-year term without senate confirmation.

• State fire marshal granted same powers and authority as county fire chiefs under specified statutes and shall conduct fire risk assessments, investigate fire causes, train fire investigators, coordinate public education, and propose fire code amendments.

• State fire marshal exempt from civil service requirements and shall submit annual report to governor and state fire council by November 30 each year.

• State fire council required to submit report by November 1, 2024 including organizational plan, roles and responsibilities description, and proposed operating budget for the new office.

• Appropriates unspecified funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2024-2025 to establish and operate the office; effective date July 1, 3000.