DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 565 Original 2022 Regular Session Bacala
Abstract: Provides relative to the authority and powers of the fire marshal, the first assistant fire
marshal, and deputy fire marshals.
Present law provides that the fire marshal, first assistant fire marshal, and each deputy fire marshal
shall have the authority to investigate and arrest any person suspected of committing any offense
connected to the investigation of any of the offenses enumerated in present law (R.S. 40:1563.1), or
connected to the investigation of a burn injury report submitted to the office of state fire marshal in
accordance with present law (R.S. 14:403.4).
Proposed law amends present law to provide that the fire marshal, first assistant fire marshal, and
each deputy fire marshal shall have the authority to investigate and cause the arrest of any person
connected to any inspection which the fire marshal, first assistant fire marshal, and each deputy fire
marshal have the authority to conduct an investigation.
Proposed law provides that upon the request of any regular state law enforcement agency, the fire
marshal, first assistant fire marshal, and each deputy fire marshal shall prevent and detect crime,
apprehend criminals, enforce the criminal laws of the state, keep the peace and good order in the
state in the enforcement of the state's police powers, and perform any other related duties imposed
upon them by the legislature.
Proposed law provides that the fire marshal, the first assistant fire marshal, and each deputy fire
marshal shall possess all of the powers and authority of regular state law enforcement officers while
on special assignment during any riot, insurrection, or any declared disaster.
Proposed law provides that no fire marshal, first assistant fire marshal, or deputy fire marshal shall
enforce any provision of present law (Title 32 of the La. Revised Statutes of 1950).
(Amends R.S. 40:1563.1(C))