By unanimously passing the Fire Prevention and Control Bill, Florida Representatives would expand the state fire marshal’s investigative and enforcement functions.
The Florida House Committee on Financial Institutions passed the bill in Tallahassee on March 20.
The bill provides for the state fire marshal (Alex Sink) to make certain fire safety inspections and require corrective actions while authorizing the fire marshal’s arrest powers – on a level equivalent to state law enforcement.
The bill would also expand the state’s uniform fire safety standards to include tunnels and provide for inspections of educational property and public post secondary facilities. It would also widen Sink’s authority to investigate explosions.
The bill (HB 1041) includes educational enhancements to the state’s fire prevention program. It authorizes the fire marshal to develop an advanced training and certification program for fire safety inspectors.
Sink applauded the committee’s efforts and action that will enhance her authority in arson investigations and related crimes and will improve requirements for firefighter training and certification.
Sponsored by State Rep. Luis Garcia Jr., D-Miami Beach, a retired Miami Beach fire chief, the legislation revises and expands the authority and powers of the fire marshal to administer oaths, request attendance of witnesses and collect evidence.
“This bill will strengthen all areas of fire safety, including arson investigation, resulting in better fire protection throughout our great state,” Sink said.
HB 1041 will now proceed to the House Jobs and Entrepreneurship Council and the Policy and Budget Council before heading to the House Floor, Sink said. The companion bill, SB 2388, is sponsored by State Sen. Burt Saunders, R-Naples.
In addition to enforcement revisions, the bill would also authorize the fire marshal to enter into a reciprocity agreement with the Florida Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board for certain continuing education recertification purposes.
Under certain circumstances the bill provides forms of immunity from liability and would exempt certain information from discovery. And under certain circumstances, the bill exempts agents of the fire marshal from subpoena, while specifying limitations on treatment of physical evidence.
The bill can viewed at http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/SEctions/Bills/bills.aspx
Topics Florida Training Development
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