Tennessee Senate Bill SB2441

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 102, relative to fire departments.

Impact

The enactment of SB2441 is expected to enhance the collaborative efforts among fire departments, particularly during emergencies where timely intervention is crucial. By allowing fire departments to act in neighboring jurisdictions, the bill would bolster community safety and improve the overall effectiveness of fire response operations. This integration could lead to more efficient use of resources and decrease the potential for property damage during fires, as multiple departments could work together seamlessly.

Summary

Senate Bill 2441, introduced by Senator Akbari, aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 102, focusing on the operational capabilities of fire departments. The bill authorizes fire departments to assist in preventing property destruction due to fires and provides them with the ability to offer rescue and emergency services in jurisdictions outside their designated service areas. This expanded role is contingent upon the capability of the responding fire department and mandates that they notify the local fire department before responding to an incident.

Contention

While supporters of SB2441 argue that it strengthens mutual aid among fire departments, there are concerns regarding the potential for confusion or overlap in authority between departments. Critics may raise issues about the adequacy of training and resources for departments operating outside their traditional service areas, leading to questions about accountability and operational effectiveness during emergencies. Furthermore, differences in protocols and practices between jurisdictions may pose a challenge to the implementation of this collaborative framework.