The bill proposes the abolition of the Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board, transferring its responsibilities, including authority, duties, functions, records, and personnel, to the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board. This transition is intended to streamline the regulatory framework for fire protection services in Arkansas. The bill ensures that any existing orders, rules, or standards established by the abolished board will remain in effect until amended or repealed by the new board. It also amends various sections of the Arkansas Code to replace references to the old board with the new one, updating duties related to licensing, registration, and administration of fire protection services.

Additionally, the bill amends Arkansas Code 20-22-804(c) to clarify the authority of the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board regarding firefighter certification, allowing for the revocation or suspension of a firefighter's certification if convicted of a felony, with provisions for a hearing and appeal to the Pulaski County Circuit Court. The bill also repeals certain provisions related to the Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board, including its authorization for a spending stipend and its transfer to the Department of Labor and Licensing, thereby enhancing oversight and accountability in firefighter certifications while eliminating redundant regulatory entities.

Statutes affected:
HB 1425: 17-40-103(a), 19-5-1242(c), 20-22-602(1), 20-22-602(6), 20-22-603(5), 20-22-604(a), 20-22-605(a), 20-22-606, 25-16-901, 20-22-607, 20-22-608, 20-22-609(8), 20-22-610(a), 20-22-611(a), 20-22-612, 20-22-613(a), 20-22-803, 20-22-804(a), 20-22-804(c), 25-16-903(22), 25-43-1102(a)