H.B. No. 1701 amends the Local Government Code to enhance the administration and enforcement of county fire codes. The bill allows a county that adopts a fire code to contract with municipalities or emergency services districts within the county for the administration and enforcement of that code. Additionally, it introduces a provision that enables emergency services districts that have adopted a fire code to enter into interlocal agreements with the county, allowing them to delegate enforcement authority for the county's fire code.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the responsibilities of the county fire marshal, specifying that the fire marshal must delegate the administration and enforcement of the county's fire code to a municipality or emergency services district as per the contracts established by the county commissioners court. This change aims to streamline fire code enforcement and ensure that local entities can effectively manage fire safety regulations. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 233.061, Local Government Code 352.019 (Local Government Code 233, Local Government Code 352)
House Committee Report: Local Government Code 233.061, Local Government Code 352.019 (Local Government Code 233, Local Government Code 352)