HB 96/FN (BR 98) - M. Hart, B. Reed, J. Sims Jr

     AN ACT relating to the investigation of fire related crimes.
    Amend KRS 15.310 to include definitions of "certified fire investigator" and "fire investigator"; amend KRS 15.334 to require the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council to promulgate administrative regulations to establish a course of training for fire investigators; amend KRS 15.380 to require the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council to certify fire investigators; create a new section of KRS 15.380 to 15.404 to list the minimum qualifications of a fire investigator; amend KRS 15.383 to require a certified fire investigator to annually meet marksmanship qualifications; create a new section of KRS 15.380 to 15.404 to allow the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council to revoke a fire investigator's certification; create a new section of KRS 15.380 to 15.404 to require a fire investigator to complete training of at least 275 hours; create a new section of KRS 15.380 to 15.404 to establish certification categories for fire investigators; amend KRS 15.388 to require the fire chief to notify the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council that the employee meets the precertification qualifications of a fire investigator; amend KRS 15.442 to specify that a fire investigator is not eligible to participate in the Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program fund; and create a new section of KRS Chapter 95A to define "fire investigator," and provide that the chief of a fire department may appoint a professional firefighter to be a fire investigator; amend KRS 15.382 to conform; EFFECTIVE January 1, 2019.