House Committee advances bill changing fire instructor board appointment process

The House Committee on Judiciary on Feb. 11 advanced House Bill 2,916, a technical change that would require the person on the board of the Fire Policy Committee who represents fire instructors to be recommended by a fire training association.

Committee members conducted a brief work session and discussed implementation timing before approving the bill. Vice Chair Wallen opened the panel and the committee moved the bill to the House floor with a “do pass” recommendation. Representative Mannix agreed to be the bill carrier.

Members noted a request received by email from a sheriff’s deputy asking for clarity about when the change would take effect; committee members said staff and the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) would be available to clarify implementation timing. Representative Bendix observed that statutory defaults typically make bills effective Jan. 1 following the legislative session unless the bill specifies otherwise, and that the Senate could adjust the effective date if needed.

A formal motion was made to move House Bill 2,916 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation; the roll call recorded several “aye” votes and two members listed as excused. The committee recorded Representative Mannix as the carrier and the motion passed. No further amendments or policy debate were recorded in committee testimony.

The committee closed its work session on House Bill 2,916 and moved on to other business.