Substitute House Bill No. 7203 seeks to amend the structure and responsibilities of the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control by repealing the existing Section 7-323k and establishing a new framework effective July 1, 2025. The restructured commission will include representatives from fire associations, municipalities, and other relevant organizations, with appointments made by the Governor and legislative leaders. A significant addition is the establishment of the education committee of the Connecticut State Firefighters Association as a subcommittee, which will focus on fire school-related matters.

Furthermore, the bill allows for the formation of a council addressing rural fire issues, likely the Rural Fire Council, to serve as a subcommittee of the commission starting July 1, 2026. This subcommittee will tackle critical issues such as wildfire mitigation strategies, assessing risks in rural areas, and providing necessary resources for rural fire departments. The bill clarifies that commission members will not be deemed public office holders solely due to their membership. Overall, the proposed changes aim to enhance fire prevention and control efforts in Connecticut by restructuring the commission and incorporating specialized subcommittees to address specific challenges.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 7-323k
PS Joint Favorable Substitute: 7-323k
File No. 417: 7-323k