Fire marshal groups support protections for state fire marshal and licensing for restoration firms in HB 6965; DAS opposes some proposed language

The committee heard extensive testimony on House Bill 6 9 6 5, which contains multiple provisions covering the state fire marshal's appointment and removal process, fire marshal training‑council membership and a proposed license or registration for businesses that perform catastrophic restoration after fires.

Michelle Gilman, commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services, told the committee DAS is "respectfully, opposed to section 1 of the bill regarding the state fire marshal." Gilman said DAS had provided detailed testimony explaining how the bill's measures would conflict with current practice governing appointed officials under Connecticut General Statutes.

Fire marshal organizations pushed back. Roger Nelson, vice president and co‑legislative representative of the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association, said the association supports language that would give the state fire marshal a written process and an opportunity for a hearing before the commissioner before removal. "The position of the state fire marshal is important to local fire marshals as it provides a conduit for the local fire marshals on code issues," Nelson said, and added that the proposal "offers some protection to the position of the state fire marshal."

Nelson also testified in favor of adjusting membership and quorum requirements for the Fire Marshal Training Council so the council can meet reliably; he described prior difficulty maintaining quorum for required certification and continuing education approvals. The CFMA asked the committee to clarify one drafting change that replaced the association name with the phrase "an association representing the interests of the fire marshals of the state." CFMA said it has been the trade association representing fire marshals since 1948 and sought clarity about that substitution.

Section 3 of HB 6 9 6 5, which would create a business license or registration for fire and catastrophic restoration companies, drew testimony from licensed public adjusters and private sector witnesses who said unregulated, aggressive solicitors often arrive at fire scenes and can intimidate property owners. Scott Molden of Atlas Adjustments described incidents of out‑of‑state actors who, he said, operate without registration or background checks and "prey on people that are at their worst." He urged a registration and ID system so police and fire marshals can quickly verify which restoration vendors are authorized to work at a scene.

Several witnesses — including Roger Nelson and representatives of the fire marshal community — said the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is better suited than the state fire marshal's office to administer a restoration business license because DCP already handles contractor licensing and registration.

Committee members asked about whether the state fire marshal currently has statutory protections for local fire marshals; witnesses explained local fire marshals have statutory protections from removal without cause and testified they seek similar insulation for the state fire marshal. Commissioner Gilman told the committee the deputy state fire marshal statute exists but the deputy position has been vacant for many years; DAS said it is working on updating the classification and hopes to recruit and fund a deputy.

No formal committee vote on HB 6 9 6 5 occurred at the hearing; members indicated they would continue reviewing stakeholder comments and technical redrafting.