WEST virginia legislature
2019 regular session
Originating
Senate Bill 671
By Senators Boso, Swope, Clements, Facemire, Ihlenfeld, Jeffries, Lindsay, Maroney, Palumbo, Smith, Sypolt, and Tarr
[Originating in the Committee on Government Organization; Reported on February 23, 2019]
A BILL to amend and reenact §29-3-8 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to eliminating the State Fire Marshal’s comprehensive report regarding the transfer of authority and responsibility of providing fire services to the counties.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
article 3. fire prevention and control act.
§29-3-8. Comprehensive report by State Fire Marshal.
(a) On or before July 1,
2019, the State Fire Marshal shall submit a comprehensive report to the Joint
Committee on Government and Finance containing a recommended plan for
transferring authority and responsibility for providing fire services to the
counties. Such report shall include, but not be limited to, recommendations
regarding recommended state oversight of such fire services; financial support
for fire services, a plan and timeline for transitioning responsibility and
oversight to the counties; and county authority, oversight, and accountability
of operations, fiscal planning, financial accountability, and risk management
planning. The State Fire Marshal shall solicit input from appropriate state
agencies, county officials, and other interested parties, which shall provide
requested information to the State Fire Marshal to assist in preparation of the
report and recommendation
(b) On or before July 1, 2019, the State Fire Marshal
shall study, prepare, and submit a report to the Joint Committee on Government
and Finance regarding reciprocity of firefighter and fire officer certification
with other states. Such report shall include recommendations regarding ways to
increase availability of reciprocal certification, including any necessary
changes to state code or regulation necessary to facilitate additional
reciprocity.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to eliminate the State Fire Marshal’s comprehensive report regarding the transfer of authority and responsibility of fire services to the counties.
Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.