House Bill 3056 seeks to amend and reenact various sections of the West Virginia Code concerning the qualifications and responsibilities of the State Fire Marshal. The bill transfers powers from the State Fire Commission to the Department of Homeland Security, designates the State Fire Marshal as the Chief Executive of the Office, and allows for the appointment of an interim State Fire Marshal in case of a vacancy. It establishes that the State Fire Marshal must possess a baccalaureate degree or equivalent experience, along with six years of relevant experience, including two years in a supervisory role. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for deputy fire marshals, classifying them as law enforcement officers and outlining their employment responsibilities.

The legislation further expands the authority of the State Fire Marshal to investigate fire-related deaths and injuries, while allowing municipalities to conduct their own investigations with notification to the State Fire Marshal. It grants the State Fire Marshal and deputies the ability to issue citations for fire and life safety violations and carry firearms while on duty, contingent upon meeting training requirements. The bill also includes provisions for the retirement of fire marshals, allowing them to retain service weapons and uniforms upon honorable retirement, and mandates cooperation from insurance companies during fire loss investigations. Overall, House Bill 3056 aims to strengthen fire safety enforcement and investigation in West Virginia, ensuring proper training and accountability for personnel involved in these efforts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15A-10-1, 15A-10-3, 15A-10-6, 15A-10-25, 15A-10-1a, 15A-10-26