The bill introduced by Delegate Akers seeks to amend and reenact sections of the West Virginia Code to enhance the authority of the State Fire Marshal and the roles of certified fire code officials, inspectors, and plans examiners. It expands the State Fire Marshal's inspection authority to include municipalities with certified personnel, allowing them to conduct inspections in various occupancies such as business and public assembly. The legislation also establishes a probationary status for uncertified fire officials and inspectors, granting them a two-year period to achieve certification. Additionally, municipalities can designate code enforcers on a contractual basis and indemnify their fire code officials and inspectors.

Moreover, the bill clarifies the training and examination processes for fire code disciplines, specifying that certification will be granted to those who pass the required examinations, including those recognized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It mandates criminal history record checks for applicants seeking home inspector licensing, allowing the State Fire Marshal to deny applications based on the results. The bill also empowers the State Fire Marshal to form advisory boards to ensure diverse representation in rulemaking. Overall, the legislation aims to improve fire safety enforcement and streamline the certification process for fire code professionals in West Virginia.

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