Connecticut House Bill HB06350

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/19
• Refer: 1/25/19

Caption

An Act Establishing Fire Department Inspection Reporting Requirements.

Impact

If enacted, HB 06350 would amend existing state statutes to impose uniform reporting obligations on fire departments. This change is intended to improve the oversight of fire safety procedures and ensure that thorough inspections are consistently conducted and documented. By mandating these inspections to be reported, the bill aims to promote a higher standard of fire safety and enhance community awareness regarding the operational status of fire apparatus.

Summary

House Bill 06350 proposes the establishment of fire department inspection reporting requirements in Connecticut. This legislation necessitates that both municipal and volunteer fire departments submit annual reports detailing inspections conducted on their apparatus during the preceding calendar year. The reports must be sent to the Connecticut Fire Academy, as well as to the highest-ranking elected official and legislative body of the municipality in which the fire department operates. The purpose of this legislation is to enhance transparency and accountability regarding fire safety inspections across the state.

Contention

While the bill's objectives focus on improving public safety, potential points of contention could arise regarding the administrative burden placed on municipal and volunteer fire departments. Some stakeholders may argue that the requirement for detailed reporting could divert resources away from essential fire service duties or pose challenges, especially to smaller departments with limited personnel and funding. Furthermore, discussions around the specific metrics and data to be included in such reports could also lead to debates about what constitutes effective oversight without being overly burdensome.