This bill authorizes school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools in Iowa to offer an elective junior firefighter program for students in grades eleven and twelve. The program can be established using a curriculum from a national organization or through a partnership with a local fire department. Schools that choose to implement this program must coordinate with the fire service training bureau and a local fire department to ensure students receive the necessary training and materials to complete the requirements for firefighter I certification. The program can be offered as an extracurricular activity or as part of the career and technical education curriculum. Additionally, students must submit a waiver of liability signed by a parent or guardian to participate.

The bill also includes provisions for students who successfully complete the junior firefighter program. It allows these students to sit for certification testing for firefighter I certification, provided they have submitted all necessary forms and paid applicable fees. However, if a student passes the required examinations before turning eighteen, the certification cannot be issued until they reach that age. The bill amends existing law to include these new requirements and ensures compliance with the standards set forth in the junior firefighter program.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 100B.7, 280.37