House Bill 1870 amends Tennessee law regarding fire investigations by granting police powers to the commissioner of commerce and insurance, municipal fire investigators, and salaried county fire investigators in cases of arson or suspected arson. The bill stipulates that these individuals must have current certification from the peace officer standards and training commission (POST) to exercise such powers, including making arrests. However, it also clarifies that they can conduct investigations into the origin or circumstances of a fire without POST certification as long as they are not exercising police powers during the investigation.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for the issuance of a certificate of compliance by the commission to the aforementioned fire investigators, effective January 1, 2027. This certification will be granted if the individuals meet the qualifications for employment as police officers and complete an approved recruit training program. To maintain this certification, they must also complete annual in-service training relevant to their responsibilities as fire investigators. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and will apply to conduct occurring on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-102-127, 38-8-107