All Roll Calls
Yes: 0 • No: 0
ConnecticutHB 054602026 Regular SessionHouse
AN ACT CONCERNING STATE-WIDE FIRE PROTECTION.
Sponsored By: Public Safety and Security Committee
Signed by Governor
Summary
To establish various state-wide fire protection provisions relating to (1) fire protection services registrations, (2) local fire protection plans, (3) the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, (4) municipal fire protection requirements, (5) a Deputy State Fire Administrator position, (6) the Connecticut Fire program, (7) regional fire coordinators, (8) collection of dispatch data, (9) a First Responder Health and Benefits Unit, (10) requirements applicable to the State Comptroller, and (11) lights on fire protection vehicles.
public safety and security
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Emergency responders gain steady warning light options
Beginning October 1, 2026, active volunteer firefighters with their department chief executive's permit can use steady or flashing blue vehicle lights. This includes organized civil preparedness auxiliary fire companies, only while traveling to or at emergencies requiring the member's services. Motor vehicle commissioner permits can also authorize steady red lights for specified emergency personnel. Existing limits remain, including a combined maximum of five chiefs, deputies, and assistants per department. Fire police and specified constables can use red warning lights on stationary vehicles during traffic direction. The emergency management division's deputy commissioner and regional coordinators become expressly eligible for red-light permits. The law removes the general ban on front-visible steady red or blue lights, but does not authorize unpermitted use.
State registry verifies firefighter credentials and benefits
The Comptroller must establish a registry of all Connecticut career and volunteer firefighters by July 1, 2027. The office must coordinate with the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. The registry verifies training, credentials, and benefit eligibility. It does not itself increase benefits or change who qualifies.
State tracks emergency calls and response data
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state must maintain a system combining fire and emergency medical dispatch data, within approved funding. The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection must coordinate this work with the Comptroller. Centers receiving enhanced or next-generation 911 calls must report quarterly call counts, answer times, and transfer or end times. Reports also include information requested for the state system, which the responsible division must enter. Centers using computer-aided dispatch must produce the required information from that system.
Towns must plan and review fire protection
Beginning October 1, 2026, the law sets new local fire planning rules. Fire providers must register with every town they serve by July 1, 2027, and annually afterward. Registrations include service-area demographics and provider contacts; material changes are due within 30 days of actual or expected knowledge. Towns must enter registrations into the National Emergency Response Information System and review the data annually. By July 1, 2027, towns must adopt fire plans and send them to elected leaders and emergency management directors. Plans identify providers, leaders, coverage areas, contracts, mutual aid, data systems, response times, staffing, and equipment standards. State submission is optional unless the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control requires plans or updates. Once the Commission establishes a review process, the State Fire Administrator must rate submitted plans at least every five years. An unsatisfactory rating can trigger an improvement plan due within 90 days, with required state help. The Commission can also establish service grades using nationally recognized standards and require operating data through state adoption. Starting July 1, 2032, towns must review their plans every five years and update them as needed.
State grants support shared town fire services
After Connecticut Fire is implemented, participating towns can apply for state grants supporting regional fire services and shared resources. The Office of Policy and Management sets the application process and administers the grants. Funding depends on appropriations; the law sets no grant amount or household payment. Starting in the fiscal year after the first award, the office must report on grants and program effectiveness.
State staffing help for local fire departments
The law creates Connecticut Fire to offer administrative and operating help to towns and fire authorities that choose to participate. Its framework includes paid resident firefighters to support volunteer departments while preserving local control and command. Implementation requires Commission approval of the framework and funding in an approved state budget. A Comptroller-led working group must first meet within 60 days of the working-group provision taking effect. Its recommended framework is due September 1, 2027, with final Commission approval due January 1, 2028. Fire service regions must match emergency-preparedness regions, with unpaid coordinators appointed by the State Fire Administrator and confirmed by the Commission.
Towns must keep fire protection running
Beginning October 1, 2026, towns must ensure fire protection continues when a provider stops or interrupts service. Towns can operate a department, contract for coverage, name a replacement provider, or use regional or mutual aid arrangements. A special act or town charter can provide otherwise. Maintaining coverage can shift costs to local budgets; the law sets no household charge or tax increase.
State guides firefighter safety and training
Beginning October 1, 2026, the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control must recommend minimum firefighter safety and response standards. Recommendations cover firefighting, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and worker health and wellness; they do not directly bind departments or firefighters. The Commission also oversees candidate education and fitness standards, training programs, exams, certification, and ongoing skills training. Its duties include promotion recommendations, training funds, regional fire school recommendations subject to commissioner approval, and disaster-response advice. It must report annually to the Governor and public safety committee on activities, recommendations, and fire school funding needs.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Public Safety and Security Committee
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Ben McGorty
Republican • House
Bill Buckbee
Republican • House
Dave W. Yaccarino
Republican • House
Hilda E. Santiago
Democratic • House
Iris N Sanchez
Democratic • House
Jason Rojas
Democratic • House
Kenneth Gucker
Democratic • House
Michael D. Quinn
Democratic • House
Patrick S. Boyd
Democratic • House
Tom Delnicki
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/30/2026
APP Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/17/2026
Senate Roll Call Vote 382
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/17/2026
House Roll Call Vote 192 AS AMENDED
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/17/2026
PS Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor
6/4/2026legislatureTransmitted by Secretary of the State to Governor
5/28/2026legislatureTransmitted to the Secretary of State
5/28/2026legislaturePublic Act 26-144
5/20/2026legislatureIn Concurrence
5/6/2026legislatureSenate Passed as Amended by House Amendment Schedule A
5/6/2026SenateSenate Rejected Senate Amendment Schedule A 6229
5/6/2026SenateSenate Adopted House Amendment Schedule A
5/6/2026SenateSenate Calendar Number 518
5/2/2026SenateFavorable Report, Tabled for the Calendar, Senate
5/2/2026SenateImmediate Transmittal to the Senate
5/1/2026SenateHouse Passed as Amended by House Amendment Schedule A
5/1/2026HouseHouse Adopted House Amendment Schedule A 4975
5/1/2026HouseTabled for the Calendar, House
4/30/2026HouseNo New File by Committee on Appropriations
4/30/2026legislatureReported Out of Legislative Commissioners' Office
4/30/2026legislatureFiled with Legislative Commissioners' Office
4/30/2026legislatureJoint Favorable
4/30/2026legislatureReferred by House to Committee on Appropriations
4/29/2026HouseFile Number 331
4/1/2026legislatureHouse Calendar Number 251
4/1/2026HouseFavorable Report, Tabled for the Calendar, House
4/1/2026HouseReported Out of Legislative Commissioners' Office
4/1/2026legislatureReferred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis 03/31/26 5:00 PM
3/26/2026legislatureFiled with Legislative Commissioners' Office
3/17/2026legislature
Bill Text
Public Act No. 26-144
5/20/2026
File No. 331
4/1/2026
APP Joint Favorable
3/17/2026
PS Joint Favorable
3/17/2026
Raised Bill
3/4/2026
APP Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable)
Bill Analysis For File Copy 331
Bill Analysis for HB-5460, as amended by House "A"
Fiscal Note For File Copy 331
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4975 (See Fiscal Note Details)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 6229 (See Fiscal Note Details)
Fiscal Note for HB-5460, As Amended by House "A" (LCO 4975)
House Roll Call Vote 192 AS AMENDED
House Schedule A LCO# 4975 (D)
PS Joint Fav. Rpt
PS Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable)
Senate Roll Call Vote 382
Senate Schedule A LCO# 6229 (R)
Summary for Public Act No. 26-144
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