HB1766

House Bill 1766 reorganizes fire safety and prevention governance in Arkansas by abolishing the State Fire Prevention Commission and transferring its functions to the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board. It establishes the position of State Fire Marshal and creates the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Grant Program. The bill streamlines administrative oversight by repealing several existing sections of the Arkansas Code related to the duties of the State Fire Marshal Enforcement Section within the Division of Arkansas State Police. Existing rules, regulations, and licensing standards created by the abolished commission will remain in effect until amended or repealed. The bill also amends various statutes to ensure that references to the 'State Fire Marshal Enforcement Section' are updated to reflect the new administrative structure. Finally, it declares an emergency, meaning the act would take effect immediately upon passage to ensure continuity in fire protection services.