House Bill 1870, also known as Senate Bill 2005, amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance the authority and training requirements for fire investigators in cases of arson or suspected arson. The bill grants police powers, including the ability to make arrests, to the commissioner of commerce and insurance, municipal fire investigators, and salaried county fire investigators, provided they have been authorized by their respective fire department chiefs and possess current certification from the peace officer standards and training commission (POST). The bill clarifies that these investigators can still conduct investigations without POST certification as long as they are not exercising police powers during those investigations.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for fire investigators to obtain a certificate of compliance from the commission, which will be issued only if they meet the qualifications for employment as a police officer and complete an approved recruit training program. To maintain this certification, fire investigators must also complete annual in-service training relevant to their responsibilities. The provisions of this act will 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