Committee approves statewide bill creating competitive second-in-command fire position with amendments

The Senate Committee on Local and Municipal Affairs on Wednesday reported HB 136 favorably as amended after the author and representatives of firefighter organizations described the measure as creating a competitive second-in-command suppression position in fire departments to improve continuity and qualifications.

Representative Glorioso said the bill arose from requests by fire chiefs and that an amendment removed duplicated language. Chad Dufo of the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association told the committee the change would "allow the chief to select based on somebody's qualifications, education, experience," and argued it would create continuity where the senior person has rotated through the role frequently. Chad Major, representing Professional Firefighters, described negotiations and said the parties compromised on minimum experience language; he said the amended language requires substantial experience in suppression roles to ensure seasoned personnel fill the position.

The committee adopted the sponsor’s technical amendment and then, on motion of Senator Bass, reported HB 136 favorably as amended with no objections recorded. Witness cards showed support from the Fire Chiefs Association, Professional Firefighters, and other related organizations. The bill’s text as amended will determine the exact experience and appointment rules; the transcript records discussion about making the position competitive and specifying qualifications to prevent automatic assignment by seniority.

If enacted, the bill would require fire departments covered by the statute to establish a competitive process for the designated second-in-command suppression position consistent with the amended language.