SF1597 Summary

• Modifies firefighter licensure requirements and terminology, changing "paid, on-call" to "paid-on-call" throughout statute for consistency

• Allows persons with baccalaureate degrees or associate degrees in applied fire science technology to take the firefighter certification examination without meeting certain other requirements

• Establishes a reciprocity examination pathway for military personnel with relevant firefighting experience (4 years military firefighting, or 2 years military firefighting plus a 2-year degree, or 4 years full-time firefighting experience in another state plus military service)

• Creates license renewal requirements of at least 72 hours of approved firefighting training per three-year period, with $75 renewal fee, and establishes procedures for license expiration and reinstatement

• Adds duties for chief firefighting officers to ensure proper training records are retained and reported, and requires applicants and licensees to notify the board within 10 days of felony convictions or arson-related charges