SB 1348 Initials JH/MB Page 1 House Engrossed ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-seventh Legislature First Regular Session Senate: RAGE DP 7-0-0-0 | 3 rd Read 29-1-0-0 House: GOV DP 4-3-0-0 SB 1348: state fire marshal; phased permitting Sponsor: Senator Gowan, LD 19 House Engrossed Overview Modifies hiring requirements for deputy fire marshals and alters construction permitting requirements and timelines for state, county and public schools. History With the approval of the State Forester, the assistant director of the Office of the State Fire Marshal (Office) can hire deputy fire marshals that have knowledge in and at least five years of experience in the field of fire safety. The assistant director may also hire assistants and employees necessary to properly discharge the duties of the Office (A.R.S. § 37-1382). Before construction, all plans and specifications for new construction, remodeling, alterations and additions for state, county and public school buildings and grounds must be submitted to the State Forester for review and approval by the assistant director of the Office or an authorized deputy fire marshal or an assistant fire inspector acting under the direction of the assistant director. Plans and specifications must be reviewed and approved or disapproved within 60 days after their submission. Construction cannot commence until the plans are approved and a permit is issued (A.R.S. § 37-1383). Provisions 1. Removes the hiring requirement for deputy fire marshals to have at least five years of experience in fire safety. (Sec. 1) 2. Allows municipalities to designate a person knowledgeable in the state fire code instead of the State Forester to review and approve the plans and specifications for new construction, remodeling, alterations and additions for municipal and private buildings and grounds. (Sec. 2) 3. Requires municipalities who appoint an individual knowledgeable in the state fire code to review and approve or disapprove the plans within 60 days after submission and prohibits construction until a permit is issued. (Sec. 2) 4. Requires the State Forester to adopt rules to implement one-phase and two-phase construction, remodeling, alteration or addition permits. (Sec. 2) 5. Outlines the permitting timeline for one-phase and two-phase permits and allows for construction to commence if the State Forester has not taken action on a valid permit application within a specified time. (Sec. 2) 6. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 2) ☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note