Bill > HB1029

This bill, known as the Volunteer Firefighter Certification Act, aims to allow volunteer firefighters in Mississippi to receive state professional certifications equivalent to those of career firefighters. It mandates that the State Fire Academy, in collaboration with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, will create a system to verify that volunteer firefighters have completed training that meets or exceeds the standards set by NFPA 1010 (National Fire Protection Association standard for firefighter qualifications). Upon successful verification, these volunteers will be eligible for Firefighter I and Firefighter II certifications from the State Fire Academy, without incurring additional fees beyond standard processing costs. The bill also requires the State Fire Academy to maintain a public record of these certified volunteer firefighters. Importantly, this certification will not change a volunteer's employment status or pay but will provide them with professional recognition and the ability to have their qualifications recognized across different agencies and nationally. The bill also brings forward an existing law (Section 45-11-253, Mississippi Code of 1972) which outlines the responsibilities of a board in establishing training standards and certifying fire personnel, suggesting potential for future amendments related to this new certification process.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1029.xml