Relating to certification requirements for a fire marshal and any related employee, officer, inspector, and investigator appointed by certain counties and emergency services districts.

Fire marshals face new certification rules

Beginning September 1, 2025, new certification rules apply to Texas county fire marshals in counties with at least 100,000 people. They also cover emergency services districts located entirely within those counties. Marshals first appointed on or after that date must earn two certifications within 12 months: head of a prevention-only fire department and fire protection personnel. They must earn basic fire marshal certification within 24 months after appointment. Earlier appointees must earn head of a suppression fire department, head of a prevention-only fire department, and fire protection personnel certifications by September 1, 2026. They must earn basic fire marshal certification by September 1, 2027. Marshals and related personnel acting as peace officers must hold a permanent peace officer license. Marshals and employees conducting or supervising arson investigations or fire inspections under marshal authority must hold required fire-inspection certifications. These standards support fire-safety oversight but add compliance costs; the law provides no dedicated funding or direct household tax changes.