HB 2409 Summary

• Reestablishes a State Fire Marshal's Office within the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, which was repealed in 1978, to address fire risk assessment and prevention efforts following the August 2023 Maui wildfires.

• Designates the state fire marshal position with authority to review fire risk, propose amendments to the state fire code, assess emergency resources, evaluate public fire safety messaging programs, and submit annual reports to the governor and state fire council by November 30 each year.

• Provides the state fire marshal with one full-time support staff position and exempts the state fire marshal position from civil service requirements, allowing appointment by the governor with senate confirmation.

• Appropriates $340,000 for fiscal year 2024-2025, consisting of $150,000 for the state fire marshal position, $90,000 for support staff, and $100,000 for training, supplies, rent, and operational costs.

• Takes effect upon approval, with appropriations effective July 1, 2024.