HB2967 Summary

• Removes requirement that 10 years of fire department experience must be at the specific department making the appointment; allows 10 years experience as a firefighter in any department to qualify someone as fire chief.

• Permits appointment of a person lacking all 4 specified qualifications as fire chief for up to one year if they obtain required certification (state fire marshal, international accreditation, or NFPA standards) within that year.

• Establishes four alternative qualification paths for fire chief positions lasting more than 180 days: state fire marshal certifications with fire science degree; international accreditation certifications with fire science degree; NFPA standard qualifications with fire science degree; or 10 years firefighter experience.

• Applies to municipalities under 1,000,000 inhabitants and fire protection districts that employ firefighters under state law.

• Effective January 1, 2020.