SB 970 - Under current law, the state fire marshal appoints an assistant director and other investigators and employees with certain qualifications.This act repeals the requirements that investigators must:
• Be at least 25 years old and have either a minimum of 5 years experience in fire risk inspection, prevention, or investigation work, or a degree in fire protection engineering;
• Be a taxpaying resident of Missouri for at least three years immediately preceding his or her appointment; and
• Possess ordinary physical strength and pass a physical and mental examination.
Finally, this act provides that a person appointed as an investigator shall be a resident of Missouri at the time of appointment and shall not accept other employment that would pose a conflict of interest while employed as a fire protection inspector or employee.
This act is identical to provisions in HCS/HB 1656 (2022) and HCS/HB 2054 (2022).
MARY GRACE PRINGLE