Researcher: MH Page 1 4/1/25
OLR Bill Analysis
sHB 7203
AN ACT PERMITTING A CERTAIN COUNCIL TO SERVE AS A
SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE COMMISSION ON FIRE PREVENTION
AND CONTROL.
SUMMARY
This bill allows a council that identifies rural fire issues for the
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
(presumably the Rural Fire Council) to serve as a subcommittee of the
Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, beginning on July 1, 2026.
In its subcommittee role, the council may advise and assist the
commission:
1. in the coordination and integration of the state’s wildfire
mitigation and response strategies with the state’s general fire
prevention and control strategies;
2. on wildfire risks in rural areas and areas where houses and other
development meet or mix with undeveloped natural areas
(wildland-urban interface areas);
3. with resources, training, and operational supports needed by
rural fire departments to effectively respond to wildfires; and
4. with policy changes, legislative changes, and similar actions
needed to protect rural areas from wildfires.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2025
BACKGROUND
Commission on Fire Prevention and Control
The commission, organized under the Department of Emergency
Services and Public Protection, develops standards for and conducts
firefighter training and education. The commission is generally 2025HB-07203-R000417-BA.DOCX
Researcher: MH Page 2 4/1/25
responsible for reducing the effects of fire and disasters on state
residents, and seeks to do so through its educational programs,
certifications, and provision of resources to fire service personnel, public
educators, and other first responders.
Rural Fire Council
This council identifies rural fire issues, reviews DEEP forest and fire
programs to see how they impact rural issues, suggests fire program
changes, and acts as a conduit between DEEP’s fire program and fire
chiefs. It consists of representatives from each county.
COMMITTEE ACTION
Public Safety and Security Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 29 Nay 0 (03/18/2025)