Connecticut House Bill HB05300

Connecticut 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/25
• Refer: 1/15/25

Caption

An Act Redefining "fire Department" To Specifically Include Fire Marshals.

Impact

The redefinition provided by HB 05300 would amend section 52-557r of the general statutes. One significant outcome of this change is that municipal fire marshals would no longer be held liable for the installation of smoke or carbon monoxide detectors. This shift in liability is aimed at reducing the burden on fire marshals and allowing them to focus more effectively on their primary duties related to fire prevention and safety enforcement without the fear of legal repercussions associated with installation failures.

Summary

House Bill 05300 seeks to redefine the term 'fire department' to explicitly include municipal fire marshals. This legislation aims to clarify the legal definition and responsibilities associated with fire departments within municipal frameworks. By formally recognizing fire marshals as part of the fire department, the bill intends to ensure that the role and function of fire marshals are integrated into the broader responsibilities of fire safety management in communities.

Contention

While the bill is primarily positioned as a beneficial update for municipal governance concerning fire safety, there may be points of contention regarding the implications of limiting liability. Opponents of the bill might argue that such a change could potentially lead to reduced accountability in fire safety practices, as municipalities might rely heavily on fire marshals for compliance without ensuring that detection systems are adequately managed. The balance between providing clear definitions and ensuring accountability in public safety is likely to be a core discussion point as the bill progresses through the legislative process.