HB0616 Summary

• Requires firefighters selected from eligibility registers to receive their certificate of appointment on the day they are sworn in as classified members of the fire department.

• Allows firefighters who were not issued certificates when originally appointed to request one from the Civil Service Commission or Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, which must be provided within 10 days.

• Applies to municipalities under 1,000,000 inhabitants and fire protection districts, establishing standardized procedures for original firefighter appointments based on merit-based examinations and eligibility registers.

• Establishes examination and testing standards based on mental aptitude, physical ability, moral character, and health, with preference points available for veterans, educators, paramedics, and those with relevant experience.

• Specifies probationary employment periods cannot exceed one year of actual active employment, with possible extensions only for firefighters required to be licensed paramedics.