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Senate committee hears testimony on allowing chiefs to qualify some candidates with felony records
Summary
Senate Bill 362 would let municipal fire chiefs use discretion to qualify applicants with certain felony convictions for firefighter roles. Proponents—many volunteer chiefs and individuals with prior convictions—argued the change would address volunteer shortages and offer second chances; committees discussed safeguards and local approval steps.
Senate Bill 362 would allow municipal fire chiefs to qualify applicants who have been convicted of certain misdemeanors or felonies, at the chief’s discretion, provided the nature of the offense and rehabilitation warrant it.
Sponsor Senator Tony Tezak said the bill recognizes that some individuals who made past mistakes can demonstrate rehabilitation and contribute to firefighting in their communities. Senator Daniel Zolnikov, a backer of the measure, told the committee the legislation preserves chiefs’ ability to say “yes” or “no” and puts hiring decisions at the local level.
Multiple volunteer fire chiefs and individuals with felony convictions testified in favor. BJ Klose, chief of the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department, described recruiting and retention challenges and argued that allowing chiefs discretion would expand a strained volunteer pool without mandating hires. Rod Smith, who said he once had felony convictions and later served his community, and other chiefs urged a “do pass.”
Committee members asked about safeguards and potential pushback. Witnesses described local hiring practices — hiring committees, city council or fire district confirmation — and said those layers, plus chief discretion, would limit risk. Chief Closie said his department uses a hiring committee and requires city‑level confirmations in addition to the chief’s approval.
Senator Tezak closed by emphasizing chiefs’ on‑the‑job judgment and asked the committee for a due pass. The hearing was closed with no executive action taken that day.
