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HB1385 • 2025

Fire protection and safety; improve government efficiency by updating provisions of office of the Safety Fire Commissioner

Fire protection and safety; improve government efficiency by updating provisions of office of the Safety Fire Commissioner

Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Chastain, Johnny
Last action
2026-03-06
Official status
House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary mentions providing for an effective date, but the metadata field for this is empty. The exact start date cannot be confirmed from the provided materials.

HB1385: Updates to Fire Safety Rules and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner

This bill updates state laws regarding fire safety by changing how the Office of the State Fire Commissioner operates, setting rules for licenses and fees, and requiring reports on deaths caused by fires.

What This Bill Does

  • Updates procedures for creating new rules (promulgation), holding hearings, and handling appeals within the office.
  • Provides for the appointment of a deputy commissioner to help lead the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.
  • Grants officials specific powers to investigate suspected cases of arson.
  • Requires immediate reporting when a fire or smoke causes a death.
  • Sets rules for suspending or revoking licenses from people who break safety laws.
  • Increases the fee charged for re-inspecting buildings.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The Office of the State Fire Commissioner and its staff
  • People holding fire-related professional licenses in Georgia
  • Building owners or managers subject to fire inspections

Terms To Know

Promulgation
The official process of creating and publishing new rules.
Revocation
The act of officially canceling a license so it is no longer valid.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The provided text does not state the exact dollar amount for the increased reinspection fee.
  • The specific date when these new rules will start (effective date) is listed as blank in the metadata, though the bill mentions providing for one.

Bill History

  1. 2026-03-06 Georgia General Assembly

    House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

Official Summary Text

Fire protection and safety; improve government efficiency by updating provisions of office of the Safety Fire Commissioner