HB215 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Alan BakerRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Volunteer fire depts., certification by Forestry Commission, minimum standards for equipment, decertification authorized, rules re certification and decertification authorized, Sec. 9-3-17am'd.

Summary

HB215 strengthens state oversight of volunteer fire departments by tightening certification rules, adding decertification authority, and allowing the Forestry Commission to set certification procedures.

What This Bill Does

The bill updates the law to specify minimum standards volunteer fire departments must meet to be certified. It authorizes the Alabama Forestry Commission to decertify departments that no longer meet these standards and to adopt rules governing the certification and decertification process. It creates a review pathway for noncooperating departments through the Alabama Association of Volunteer Fire Departments, which can recommend certification to the Forestry Commission. The bill also clarifies that these rules supersede conflicting local laws and preserves certain firefighters' standards responsibilities.

Who It Affects

• Volunteer fire departments in Alabama: must meet specified minimum personnel, training, and equipment standards to maintain certification; risk decertification if they fail to meet ongoing requirements.
• Alabama Forestry Commission: gains authority to certify and decertify volunteer departments and to adopt related certification and decertification rules.
• Alabama Association of Volunteer Fire Departments: may review noncooperating departments and provide certification recommendations to the Forestry Commission.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 9-3-17 to specify minimum standards for certification of volunteer fire departments and to authorize decertification of departments.
• Authorizes the Alabama Forestry Commission to adopt rules establishing procedures for certification and decertification of volunteer fire departments.
• Defines minimum standards for volunteer fire departments, including organization, coverage area, four or more members, monthly emergency reports, training, and at least 80% unsalaried membership.
• Specifies minimum equipment and apparatus requirements (e.g., tanker with at least 500 gallons and 250 GPM at 150 psi, required hoses, ladders, and safety gear).
• Requires an alerting system, basic communications equipment, housing for equipment, and a training room for departments seeking certification.
• Allows the Commission to assist departments in obtaining needed equipment to meet standards.
• Establishes that certification by the Forestry Commission supersedes conflicting local laws and notes that the Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission retains its related jurisdiction.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Volunteer Fire Departments