Planning and Development Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-6422
AN ACT REQUIRING A STUDY OF THE OBSTACLES TO MERGING OR
Title: CONSOLIDATING MUNICIPAL FIRE DISTRICTS AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS.
Vote Date: 3/2/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 2/19/2021
File No.: 59
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
Rep. Tom Arnone, 58th Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
House Bill 6422 aims to conduct a study to find solutions for small towns' efforts to maintain
their fire departments. According to testimony, small towns have had difficulty recruiting and
retaining volunteer firefighters. Proper resources for fire departments is a concern to public
safety services.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
No responses from administration/agency.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Betsy Gara, Executive Director- Council of Small Towns: Voiced support that HB-6422
will give small towns an opportunity to address challenges related to local fire departments.
The testimony mentions this is an issue of public safety.
Rick Hart, Director of Legislative Affairs- Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters
Association of CT: Voiced support on the condition that Uniformed Professional Firefighters
be included in discussions related to the study. The testimony mentions logistical challenges
in merging or consolidating fire departments.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
No sources of opposition.
Reported by: Colin Savino Date: 3/10/2021
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