IL SJR0007

Creates a 19-member Recruiting & Retaining Public Employee Firefighters and Paramedics Task Force to identify solutions to the shortage of eligible applicants for firefighter and paramedic positions.

Task Force shall examine recruitment and retention barriers, state assistance options, roles of community colleges and state agencies, MAP grant utilization, licensure requirements, hiring provisions, apprenticeship programs, minimum application requirements, fire academy sponsorship requirements, and career pathways.

Membership includes 4 Illinois General Assembly members (one each appointed by Senate President, House Speaker, Senate Minority Leader, House Minority Leader), representatives from firefighter and fire chief associations, municipalities, fire protection districts, the Illinois Fire Service Institute, community colleges, and state agencies.

Members serve without compensation with Co-Chairs appointed from the General Assembly members chosen by Senate President and House Speaker.

Office of the State Fire Marshal provides administrative support; Task Force must hold at least five meetings and submit final report to General Assembly and Governor by January 1, 2024, after which the Task Force is dissolved.