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S 8511

Relates to background checks for volunteer and paid firefighters

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pam Helming

S 8511 - Relates to Background Checks for Volunteer and Paid Firefighters OverviewBill Number: S 8511 Title: Relates to background checks for volunteer and paid firefighters Stat

REFERRED TO RULES
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Bill Summary · S 8511

S 8511 - Relates to Background Checks for Volunteer and Paid Firefighters

Overview

Bill Number: S 8511
Title: Relates to background checks for volunteer and paid firefighters
Status: REFERRED TO RULES
Introduced: September 24, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of this bill is to establish mandatory background checks for all individuals seeking to serve as volunteer or paid firefighters in the state. The intent is to enhance public safety and ensure that fire departments are staffed by personnel who do not pose risks to the communities they serve.

Key Provisions

  • Requires all prospective volunteer and paid firefighters to undergo a comprehensive criminal background check prior to appointment or hiring
  • Mandates that fire departments conduct these background checks through the state's centralized criminal history repository
  • Prohibits the appointment or hiring of any individual who has been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanor offenses related to violence, sexual crimes, or financial fraud
  • Allows fire departments to consider other minor offenses on a case-by-case basis when making hiring decisions
  • Requires fire departments to maintain records of background check results for the duration of an individual's employment

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • All volunteer and paid firefighters, both new hires and current employees, would be subject to the new background check requirements
  • Fire departments across the state would be responsible for conducting the background checks and maintaining the associated records
  • The general public would benefit from increased confidence in the safety and trustworthiness of their local fire services

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee for further consideration. If approved by the committee, it would then proceed to a full vote by the state Senate. If passed by the Senate, the bill would move to the state Assembly for a similar review and voting process. The governor would have the final decision on whether to sign the bill into law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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