HB3439 Summary

• Removes the requirement that 10 years of firefighting experience must be at the specific fire department from which a fire chief appointment is being made; allows 10 years of experience as a firefighter generally.

• Permits appointment of a person lacking standard fire chief qualifications for up to one year if they obtain required certification (State Fire Marshal certifications, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress certifications, or NFPA standards) within that year.

• Applies to fire departments and fire protection districts in municipalities with fewer than 1,000,000 inhabitants that employ firefighters under the Illinois Municipal Code or Fire Protection District Act.

• Effective January 1, 2020.