IL HB5528

Amends the Peace Officer Fire Investigation Act to specify training requirements for fire investigators authorized to carry weapons during arson investigations.

Requires completion of a training program approved by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board that includes an arson investigator course and a firearms course offered by a State-sponsored institution of higher learning.

Maintains existing requirements for a separate course in fire and arson investigation approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal pursuant to the Illinois Fire Protection Training Act.

Applies training requirements to both sworn fire department members investigating arson and State Fire Marshal Arson Investigator Special Agents.

Specifies that training need not include vehicle/traffic law, traffic control, accident investigation, or first aid, but must include training on the rights of persons suspected of criminal involvement.