The bill amends Section 36-32-2 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which pertains to the Alabama Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission. The key changes include increasing the commission's membership from seven to nine members and specifying the qualifications and appointment process for the additional members. The Professional Firefighters Association of Alabama, the Alabama Firefighter's Association, the Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Alabama Association of Volunteer Fire Departments will each appoint one certified firefighter or volunteer firefighter for a four-year term. Additionally, the Presiding Officer of the Senate will appoint two members with experience in mentorship and training for aspiring firefighters and volunteer firefighters, while the State Fire Marshal or their designee, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Governor will also appoint members.

The bill also introduces several technical revisions to update the language of the existing law. Notably, it removes the requirement for members to be over a certain age, clarifies the appointment process, and ensures that the commission's membership reflects the state's diversity in terms of race, gender, geography, and economic status. Furthermore, it establishes that no commissioner may serve more than two consecutive terms and allows the commission to adopt bylaws for its governance, provided they do not conflict with the chapter. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 36-32-2, 36-32-2
Engrossed: 36-32-2, 36-32-2
Enrolled: 36-32-2, 36-32-2