FIRST REGULAR SESSION
SENATE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR
SENATE BILL NO. 396
90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
TERRY L. SPIELER, Secretary.
S1853.02C
AN ACT
To repeal section 320.230, RSMo 1994, relating to the state fire marshal, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to the same subject.
Section A. Section 320.230, RSMo 1994, is repealed and one new section enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as section 320.230, to read as follows:
320.230. 1. The state fire marshal shall conduct investigations and may conduct hearings into the cause, origin, or circumstances of fire losses and shall cooperate with the appropriate fire or police officials of this state or its political subdivisions in investigations of the cause, origin, or circumstances of fires, explosions, or related occurrences involving the possibility of arson or related offenses.
2. The state fire marshal and his paid investigators who have [completed at least two hundred forty hours of basic police training as] attained proper certification as peace officers in accordance with the provisions of chapter 590, RSMo, approved by the director of the department of public safety shall be deemed to be peace officers, and upon notification of the existence of the investigation to the county sheriff or chief of police shall have the power of arrest for [fire related] all offenses [only, and only when investigating] incident to the investigation of the cause, origin, or circumstances of fires, explosions, or like occurrences involving the possibility of arson, or related offenses, and in connection with [such offenses] any offense when aiding and assisting the sheriff of any county or the chief of police of any municipality, or their designated representatives, at their request [and while engaged in the performance of their duties as herein prescribed shall be deemed peace officers if they shall be assaulted].