IL SB2619

Establishes mandatory qualifications for fire chief appointments in Illinois municipalities and fire protection districts, effective after the bill's passage, for positions responsible for day-to-day operations lasting more than 180 days.

Requires fire chiefs to possess one of four qualification options: (1) State Fire Marshal certifications plus fire science/bachelor's degree; (2) International Fire Service Accreditation Congress certifications meeting NFPA standards plus degree; (3) NFPA 1001 and 1021 qualifications plus degree; or (4) minimum 10 years' firefighting experience in the same jurisdiction.

Applies qualifications to municipalities and fire protection districts employing firefighters under specified hiring provisions, but exempts municipalities with populations exceeding 1,000,000 inhabitants.

Establishes that home rule municipalities cannot appoint fire chiefs in a manner inconsistent with these requirements and designates this as a limitation on home rule powers under the Illinois Constitution.

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code (Section 10-1-7.3 and 10-2.1-4) and the Fire Protection District Act (Section 16.04b) to implement uniform fire chief qualification standards across the state.