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 various fire-related associations, such as the Connecticut State Firefighter's Association and the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association, 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 focused on fire schools.

Moreover, the bill introduces a provision allowing a council, likely the Rural Fire Council, to serve as a subcommittee of the commission starting July 1, 2026. This subcommittee will address critical issues related to wildfire mitigation, risks in rural areas, and resource support for rural fire departments. The bill deletes the previous subsection (f) and renumbers subsequent sections, but it does not impose any fiscal impact on the state or municipalities, as it utilizes existing expertise within the council and commission. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the state's capacity to manage wildfire risks and improve fire prevention strategies in rural areas.

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