The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to the Office of the State Fire Marshal by removing the requirement for deputy fire marshals to have five years of experience in fire safety. It would also allow municipalities with populations of 30,000 or fewer to review and approve construction plans for state, county, and public school buildings, rather than requiring submission to the Office. If a municipality adopts this process, it must review plans within 60 days, and construction cannot begin until plans are approved and a permit is issued.

Additionally, the bill introduces a phased permitting process, allowing applicants to choose between a one-phase or two-phase permit application. For a one-phase application, the State Forester must make a final determination within 60 days, while for a two-phase application, an initial determination is required within 30 days, followed by a final determination within 60 days. The bill also stipulates that construction cannot commence until the necessary approvals are obtained, and it includes provisions for technical and conforming changes to existing laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 37-1382, 37-1383
Senate Engrossed Version: 37-1382, 37-1383
House Engrossed Version: 37-1382, 37-1383