Substitute House Bill No. 5460, effective October 1, 2026, introduces comprehensive reforms to fire protection services in Connecticut. It mandates that all fire protection entities register with their respective municipalities by July 1, 2027, providing essential demographic and contact information, which must be updated within thirty days of any changes. Municipalities are tasked with entering this information into the National Emergency Response Information System and developing a local fire protection plan that outlines service provision, performance standards, and mutual aid agreements. The bill also amends Section 7-323l of the general statutes to enhance firefighter safety and emergency response protocols, updating previous education and training standards and assigning the commission new responsibilities for promoting standards and managing the Statewide Fire Service Disaster Response Plan.

Additionally, the bill establishes the "Connecticut Fire" program to support municipalities in staffing volunteer fire departments with paid personnel while maintaining local command structures. It creates a grant program to encourage regionalization of fire services and mandates the collection of operational data from fire protection entities. The bill also includes provisions for the Comptroller to study the feasibility of centralizing access to public benefits for firefighters and updates the responsibilities of the Division of Fire Services Administration to maintain registries of fire chiefs and firefighters. Notably, it amends regulations regarding the use of colored and flashing lights on vehicles, requiring permits and expanding eligibility for their use among emergency responders. Overall, the bill aims to improve coordination, efficiency, and safety within Connecticut's fire protection services.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 7-323o, 7-313k, 3-123, 14-96q
PS Joint Favorable: 7-323o, 7-313k, 3-123, 14-96q
File No. 331: 7-323o, 7-313k, 3-123, 14-96q
APP Joint Favorable: 7-323o, 7-313k, 3-123, 14-96q
Public Act No. 26-144: 14-96q