WEST virginia legislature
2019 regular session
Introduced
House Bill 2658
By Delegate Maynard, Paynter, Jeffries, J., Sypolt, Miller, Pack, Lovejoy, Jennings, Angelucci and Worrell
[Introduced January 24, 2019; Referred
to the Committee on Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services then
Government Organization.]
A BILL to amend and reenact §29-3-8 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to eliminating the State Fire Marshall’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 Marshall’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.