This bill amends existing laws regarding the responsibilities of fire officials and the handling of reports related to fires and emergency responses. It specifies that the chief of the fire department or their designee in any city or township must investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of every fire that results in property damage, bodily injury, or destruction. The investigation will determine if the fire was caused by natural factors, negligence, or intentional action. Additionally, the bill repeals Code section 100.3, which previously addressed reports of fires and emergency responses.

Furthermore, the bill expands access to personal information held by the Department of Transportation. It allows officers or employees of fire departments, in addition to law enforcement personnel, to access personal information when requested through a registration plate number. It also includes fire department personnel in the list of individuals permitted to access personal photographs or digital images. Lastly, the bill updates the definition of a criminal or juvenile justice agency to include the fire marshal and fire department employees, thereby enhancing their role in investigations and information access.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 100.2, 321.11, 692.1, 100.3