SCS HB 792 -- STATE FIRE MARSHAL INVESTIGATORS

This bill allows State Fire Marshal investigators who are
certified as peace officers to have the power of arrest for
offenses incident to the investigation of fires and explosions
after notifying local law enforcement agencies of the
investigation.  Current law designates Fire Marshal
investigators as peace officers with arrest powers only when
they are investigating fire-related offenses and are assaulted
while performing their duties.

HB 792 -- FIRE INVESTIGATORS (Kissell)

This bill allows State Fire Marshal investigators to have the
power of arrest for all offenses at any time upon obtaining
certification as a peace officer.  Current law allows arrest
powers for investigators only for fire-related offenses and only
while engaged in the performance of their duties.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

HB 792 -- FIRE INVESTIGATORS

CO-SPONSORS:  Kissell, McKenna

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee
on Public Safety and Law Enforcement by a vote of 16 to 0.

This bill allows State Fire Marshal investigators to have the
power of arrest for all offenses at any time upon obtaining
certification as a peace officer.  Current law allows arrest
powers for investigators only for fire-related offenses and only
while engaged in the performance of their duties.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that allowing properly certified
fire investigators to have the same arrest powers as peace
officers will aid other law enforcement officers, especially in
rural counties and circumstances when powers of arrest are
needed expeditiously.

Testifying for the bill were Representative McKenna; Moniteau
County Sheriff's Department; Pulaski County Sheriff's
Department; Missouri Division of Fire Safety; Missouri State
Council of Firefighters; Camden County Sheriff's Department; and
Missouri Sheriffs' Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Sarah Madden, Legislative Analyst

HB 792 -- Fire Investigators

Co-Sponsors:  Kissell, McKenna

This bill allows State Fire Marshal investigators to have the
power of arrest for all offenses at any time upon obtaining
certification as a peace officer.  Current law allows arrest
powers for investigators only for fire-related offenses and only
while engaged in the performance of their duties.