The bill amends sections 15A-10-3 and 15A-10-5 of the West Virginia Code to expand the authority of the State Fire Marshal to conduct inspections in municipalities that have certified fire code officials, inspectors, and plans examiners. It delineates the differences between certified and uncertified fire officials, detailing the training and examination processes necessary for various fire code disciplines. Certified municipal officials will be permitted to perform inspections in specific occupancy types, such as business and public assembly, while a probationary period is established for uncertified officials to obtain certification. Additionally, municipalities can contract code enforcers and indemnify their fire code personnel.

The bill also introduces new certification requirements for fire code officials, inspectors, and plans examiners, mandating successful completion of training and examinations aligned with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. It specifies the examination categories for certification and empowers the State Fire Marshal to issue certifications to those who pass. Furthermore, the legislation emphasizes compliance with the State Fire Code, establishes penalties for violations, and grants the State Fire Marshal the authority to conduct criminal history checks for home inspector licensing. Overall, the bill aims to enhance fire safety oversight and ensure that qualified individuals are responsible for critical inspection duties.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15A-10-3, 15A-10-5