OLR Bill Analysis

sSB 180

AN ACT CONCERNING FIREFIGHTER TRAINING.

SUMMARY:

This bill expands the purposes for which the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control may use its fire school training and education extension account, expanding the number of programs for which the commission may provide reimbursement. But it requires that reimbursements be made within available appropriations.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2008

FIREFIGHTER TRAINING AND EXTENSION ACCOUNT PURPOSES

By law, the commission may maintain this account for specified purposes. Under current law, it may use the account to (1) operate education and extension programs the Office of State Fire Administration establishes and (1) reimburse one-half the cost of Firefighter I certification and recruit training for municipal volunteer and paid firefighters and state agency firefighters.

The bill (1) allows the commission to use the account for administering, as well as operating, the training and education extension programs and sessions; (2) increases, from one-half to 100%, the reimbursement for the Firefighter I program; (3) expands the programs for which the commission may provide reimbursements to include Firefighter II, Recruit Firefighter, Fire Service Instructor I, and Fire Officer I and authorizes full reimbursements for them; and (4) authorizes the reimbursements within available resources. Reimbursements are made to municipalities, municipal fire departments, and state agencies, as applicable.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Public Safety and Security Committee

Joint Favorable Change of Reference

Appropriations Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute