Senate Bill No. 2143, introduced by Perry, aims to enhance the authority of counties in Texas regarding the commissioning of fire protection officers as peace officers and to establish certification requirements for fire marshals. The bill introduces new sections to the Local Government Code, specifically Section 352.0125, which mandates that fire marshals in counties with populations of 100,000 or more must obtain specific certifications from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection within 12 months of their appointment. Additionally, if acting as peace officers, fire marshals and their staff must hold a permanent peace officer license. The bill also allows counties to commission fire marshals, officers, inspectors, or investigators as peace officers, granting them the authority to administer fire-related operations, enforce building codes, and conduct investigations.

Furthermore, the bill includes Section 362.006, which stipulates that a county may only establish a law enforcement agency if authorized by the constitution or other laws. It also provides a transitional provision for fire marshals appointed before the bill's effective date, requiring them to obtain the necessary certifications within a specified timeframe. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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