SB496

Senate Bill 496 reorganizes Arkansas state fire prevention services by abolishing the State Fire Prevention Commission and transferring its duties, personnel, records, and funding to the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board. The bill repeals the existing statutory chapter governing the Commission and expands the membership of the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board from fifteen to seventeen members. It also modifies the Board's responsibilities, transitioning it from an advisory role to a more direct governing and oversight capacity regarding fire services, training standards, and the selection of key personnel like the Director of the Arkansas Fire Training Academy. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Board provide oversight for the Coordinator of the Office of Fire Protection Services. This consolidation is intended to streamline the administrative structure of fire prevention efforts in the state. The act includes an emergency clause, meaning it would take effect immediately upon passage.