S.B. 2085 Summary

• Establishes the Office of the State Fire Marshal within the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, headed by a State Fire Marshal appointed by the state fire council for a five-year term.

• Exempts the state fire marshal position from civil service law and senate confirmation requirements.

• Assigns the state fire marshal duties including coordinating fire protection efforts, assessing fire risk, reviewing and proposing fire code amendments, investigating fires, inspecting state buildings, and maintaining statewide fire records.

• Requires the state fire council to submit a report to the legislature by November 1, 2024, including an organizational plan, division of responsibilities between state and counties, and proposed operating budget.

• Appropriates $172,000 for fiscal year 2024-2025 to establish one full-time state fire marshal position ($120,000), one support position ($40,000), and operational costs ($12,000).