Bill > HB3687

This bill establishes new certification requirements for fire marshals and related personnel in counties and emergency services districts with a population of 100,000 or more. Specifically, fire marshals in these jurisdictions must obtain three key certifications from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection within specific timeframes after initial appointment: a head of prevention-only fire department certification (within 12 months), a fire marshal basic certification (within 24 months), and a fire protection personnel certification (within 12 months). Additionally, if these fire marshals or their employees act as peace officers, they must obtain a permanent peace officer license, and if they conduct arson investigations or fire inspections, they must hold the appropriate fire inspection certifications. The bill applies to both county fire marshals and fire marshals in emergency services districts, and includes a grandfather provision for those already appointed, giving them deadlines to obtain the required certifications based on the act's effective date of September 1, 2025. These new requirements aim to ensure that fire marshals and their staff have comprehensive, standardized training and qualifications for their critical public safety roles.