reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 2 - REGULATION, ETC., OF FIRE AND OTHER HAZARDS TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY GENERALLY (§§ 25-2-1 — 25-2-41) › Section 25-2-27 - Suspected arson investigation - Authority to take testimony and arrest; obligation to furnish information to district attorney

The state fire marshal or his deputy, when in his opinion such proceedings are necessary, shall take the testimony on oath of all persons believed to be cognizant of or to have information or knowledge in relation to suspected arson and shall cause the testimony to be reduced to writing. If he is of the opinion that there is evidence sufficient to charge any person with the crime of arson, he shall cause such person to be arrested in accordance with the law. He shall also furnish the district attorney of the circuit in which the fire occurred with all the information obtained by him in his investigation. The district attorney shall thereupon proceed according to law.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 2 - REGULATION, ETC., OF FIRE AND OTHER HAZARDS TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY GENERALLY (§§ 25-2-1 — 25-2-41) › Section 25-2-28 - Suspected arson investigation - Power to subpoena witnesses and documents; administration of oaths; court order to compel compliance

(a)
The state fire marshal or the deputy state fire marshal shall have the power to summon and compel the attendance of witnesses before either or both of them, in any county in which the witness resides, to testify in relation to any matter which is designated by Code Section
25-2-27
as a subject of inquiry and to issue subpoenas to compel the production of all books, records, documents, and papers pertaining to such subject of inquiry. The state fire marshal and deputy state fire marshal may also administer oaths and affirmations to persons appearing as witnesses before them. Any person summoned shall have the right of counsel at the hearing if he desires.
(b)
Should any person fail to comply with this Code section, the state fire marshal or his agent is authorized to procure an order from the superior court of the county in which the proposed witness resides, requiring compliance under the law.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 2 - REGULATION, ETC., OF FIRE AND OTHER HAZARDS TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY GENERALLY (§§ 25-2-1 — 25-2-41) › Section 25-2-29 - Hearing procedure

All hearings held by or under the direction of the Commissioner shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," and the Commissioner may also satisfy the procedure for conduct of hearings on contested cases and rule making required under said chapter by following and complying with Chapter 2 of Title 33.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 2 - REGULATION, ETC., OF FIRE AND OTHER HAZARDS TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY GENERALLY (§§ 25-2-1 — 25-2-41) › Section 25-2-30 - Duty of state fire marshal as to promotion of fire prevention and life safety generally

It shall be the duty of the state fire marshal to contact individuals, associations, and state agencies, both within and outside this state, which have a direct interest in the fundamentals of fire prevention and life safety, for the purpose of promoting the objectives of this chapter.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 2 - REGULATION, ETC., OF FIRE AND OTHER HAZARDS TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY GENERALLY (§§ 25-2-1 — 25-2-41) › Section 25-2-31 - Dissemination of fire prevention information by state fire marshal; fire prevention education in schools

(a)
The state fire marshal may promote any plan or program which tends to disseminate information on fire prevention and similar projects and may aid any association or group of individuals which is primarily organized along such lines.
(b)
It shall be the duty of the state fire marshal to carry on a state-wide program of fire prevention education in the schools of this state and to establish fire drills therein. All local school authorities are required to cooperate with the state fire marshal in carrying out programs designed to protect the lives of school children from fire and related hazards.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 2 - REGULATION, ETC., OF FIRE AND OTHER HAZARDS TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY GENERALLY (§§ 25-2-1 — 25-2-41) › Section 25-2-32 - Maintenance of records of fire losses; reports of losses by insurance companies; reports of fires

(a)
It shall be the duty of the state fire marshal to keep an up-to-date record of all fire losses, together with statistical data concerning the same. The various fire insurance companies doing business in this state shall submit to the Commissioner, quarterly, a report stating all the losses sustained by them, together with such pertinent data as may be required by the Commissioner.
(b)
Effective January 1, 1993, all incidents of fires, whether accidental or incendiary, shall be reported to the office of Safety Fire Commissioner. Every fire department shall submit incident data either via a uniform electronic reporting method or on a uniform reporting form prescribed by the Commissioner and at intervals established by the Commissioner.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 9,§ 25, eff. 3/13/2015.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 2 - REGULATION, ETC., OF FIRE AND OTHER HAZARDS TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY GENERALLY (§§ 25-2-1 — 25-2-41) › Section 25-2-32.1 - Reports to Safety Fire Division of serious burn injuries

Every case of a burn injury or wound where the victim sustained second-degree or third-degree burns to 5 percent or more of the body or any burns to the upper respiratory tract or laryngeal edema due to the inhalation of superheated air, and every case of a burn injury or wound which is likely to or may result in death, shall be reported at once to the Safety Fire Division of the office of the Commissioner of Insurance. The Safety Fire Division shall accept the report and notify the proper investigatory agency as may be appropriate. A written report shall be provided to the Safety Fire Division within 72 hours. The report shall be made by the physician attending or treating the case or by the manager, superintendent, or other person in charge whenever such case is treated in a hospital sanitarium, institution, or other medical facility.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 2 - REGULATION, ETC., OF FIRE AND OTHER HAZARDS TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY GENERALLY (§§ 25-2-1 — 25-2-41) › Section 25-2-32.2 - Investigation of burn injuries reported pursuant to Code Section 25-2-32.1

Every county or municipal governing authority or any two or more governing authorities or the Safety Fire Division are authorized and empowered to take such action as may be required to formulate task forces, teams, or fire or police investigative units to investigate any case of a burn injury or wound sustained as reported pursuant to Code Section
25-2-32.1
, to ascertain the cause of fires or explosions of suspicious origin within the county or municipalities, to pursue necessary investigation thereof, and to assist in the preparation and prosecution of cases stemming from any alleged criminal activity attendant to such fires or explosions.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 2 - REGULATION, ETC., OF FIRE AND OTHER HAZARDS TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY GENERALLY (§§ 25-2-1 — 25-2-41) › Section 25-2-33.1 - Reports of arson and suspected arson to state fire marshal and insurers; prohibition of payment of insurance claim upon receipt of report prior to notification

(a)
The fire department of each county and municipality and any other organized fire department operating within this state shall report every incident or suspected incident of arson to the local law enforcement agency, the state fire marshal, and every insurance company with a known pecuniary interest in the cause of the fire in which arson is involved or suspected to be involved. In any local jurisdiction where an organized fire department is not operating, the local law enforcement agency investigating a fire shall make the reports required by this Code section. Such reports shall be made on forms provided for that purpose by the state fire marshal.
(b)
Any insurance company which has received a report of an incident or suspected incident of arson under subsection (a) of this Code section shall not pay any claim relating thereto prior to notifying in writing the state fire marshal and local fire department of the date the claim is to be paid.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 2 - REGULATION, ETC., OF FIRE AND OTHER HAZARDS TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY GENERALLY (§§ 25-2-1 — 25-2-41) › Section 25-2-34 - Cooperation with Commissioner by Department of Public Safety, Georgia State Patrol, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation

The Department of Public Safety, the Georgia State Patrol, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation shall cooperate with the Commissioner and his deputies and inspectors whenever called upon by him or them in enforcing this chapter. They shall make available to the Commissioner or his deputies and inspectors such facilities as lie detectors, broadcasting facilities, and other aid and devices as requested.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 2 - REGULATION, ETC., OF FIRE AND OTHER HAZARDS TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY GENERALLY (§§ 25-2-1 — 25-2-41) › Section 25-2-35 - Payment of reasonable fees for assistance in assembling evidence and apprehending suspects

The Commissioner is authorized to pay sheriffs and other peace officers reasonable fees for assistance given in assembling evidence as to the causes or criminal origin of fires and in apprehending persons guilty of arson.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 2 - REGULATION, ETC., OF FIRE AND OTHER HAZARDS TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY GENERALLY (§§ 25-2-1 — 25-2-41) › Section 25-2-36 - Civil remedies for violations of chapter and rules, regulations, or orders of Commissioner

In addition to the civil monetary penalty provided for in Code Section
25-2-37
, the Commissioner may bring a civil action to enjoin a violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule, regulation, or order issued by the Commissioner under this chapter. In particular, but not by way of limitation upon the authority granted in this Code section, the Commissioner may bring an action to enjoin any construction found to be in contravention of Code Section
25-2-13
or
25-2-14
or to obtain an order of court directing the immediate evacuation and the secure closure of any structure which, by reason of violation of any provision of this chapter or of any rule, regulation, or order issued by the Commissioner under this chapter, is found to pose an immediate threat to the property, health, or lives of the occupants of the structure. In order to avail himself of the remedies provided for in this Code section, it shall not be necessary for the Commissioner to allege or to prove the absence of an adequate remedy at law.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 2 - REGULATION, ETC., OF FIRE AND OTHER HAZARDS TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY GENERALLY (§§ 25-2-1 — 25-2-41) › Section 25-2-37 - Locking exit doors; construction of building without approval of plans; civil penalties for violation of chapter or rules

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to lock an exit door whether or not it is a required exit unless such provisions are allowed by this chapter or by any rule, regulation, or order issued by the Commissioner under this chapter.
(b)
It shall be unlawful for any person to begin construction on any proposed building or structure which comes under the classification in paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of Code Section
25-2-13
and which comes under the jurisdiction of the office of the Commissioner of Insurance pursuant to Code Section
25-2-12
without first having plans approved in accordance with Code Section
25-2-14
.
(c)
Any person who violates this chapter or any rule, regulation, or order issued by the Commissioner under this chapter shall be subject to a civil penalty imposed by the Commissioner in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commissioner.
(d)
Any person who violates this chapter or any rule, regulation, or order issued by the Commissioner under this chapter shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000.00 for each day that the violation persists after such person is notified of the Commissioner's intent to impose such penalty and of the right to a hearing with respect to same.
(e)
Any person violating subsection (a), (b), or (c) of this Code section shall be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000.00 for a first offense, not less than $1,000.00 and not more than $2,000.00 for a second offense, and not less than $2,000.00 and not more than $5,000.00 for a third or subsequent offense.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 2 - REGULATION, ETC., OF FIRE AND OTHER HAZARDS TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY GENERALLY (§§ 25-2-1 — 25-2-41) › Section 25-2-38 - Criminal penalties for violations of chapter and rules, regulations, or orders of Commissioner

Any person, firm, or corporation violating this chapter or failing or refusing to comply with any regulation promulgated under this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 2 - REGULATION, ETC., OF FIRE AND OTHER HAZARDS TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY GENERALLY (§§ 25-2-1 — 25-2-41) › Section 25-2-38.1 - Sovereign immunity of state not waived; legal duty of property owner or lessee not relieved

(a)
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to constitute a waiver of the sovereign immunity of the state, or any officer or employee thereof, in carrying out the provisions of this chapter. No action shall be maintained against the state, any municipality, county, or any officer, elected officer or employees thereof, for damages sustained as a result of any fire or related hazard covered in this chapter by reason of any inspection or other action taken or not taken pursuant to this chapter.
(b)
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to relieve any property owner or lessee thereof from any legal duty, obligation, or liability incident to the ownership, maintenance, or use of such property.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 2 - REGULATION, ETC., OF FIRE AND OTHER HAZARDS TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY GENERALLY (§§ 25-2-1 — 25-2-41) › Section 25-2-39 - Construction of chapter

It is declared that this chapter is necessary for the public safety, health, peace, and welfare, is remedial in nature, and shall be construed liberally.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 2 - REGULATION, ETC., OF FIRE AND OTHER HAZARDS TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY GENERALLY (§§ 25-2-1 — 25-2-41) › Section 25-2-41 - Use of class B fire-fighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term:
(1)
"Class B fire-fighting foam" means any foam designed to extinguish flammable liquid fires.
(2)
"PFAS chemicals" means a class of fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and designed to be fully functional in class B fire-fighting foam formulations.
(3)
"Testing" means calibration testing, conformance testing, or fixed system testing.
(b)
On and after January 1, 2020, no person; fire department provided for under Chapter 3 of this title; state department, agency, board, bureau, office, commission, public corporation, or authority; county, municipal corporation, school district, or other political subdivision of this state shall discharge or otherwise use class B fire-fighting foam that contains intentionally added PFAS chemicals unless:
(1)
Such discharge or other use occurs in fire prevention or in response to an emergency fire-fighting operation; or
(2)
Such discharge or other use is for training or testing purposes which occurs at a facility that has implemented containment, treatment, and disposal measures to prevent uncontrolled releases of such class B fire-fighting foam into the environment.
(c)
Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to:
(1)
Restrict the manufacture, sale, or distribution of class B fire-fighting foam that contains intentionally added PFAS chemicals or restrict the discharge or other use of class B fire-fighting foam in response to an emergency fire-fighting operation; or
(2)
Prevent the use of nonfluorinated foams, including other class B fire-fighting foams, for purposes of training for fire-fighting operations.
Added by 2019 Ga. Laws 235,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 3 - LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-27) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-6) › Section 25-3-1 - General powers of fire departments

Any fire department of a county, municipality, or other political subdivision and any chartered fire department shall have the authority to:
(1)
Protect life and property against fire, explosions, hazardous materials, or electrical hazards;
(2)
Detect and prevent arson;
(3)
Administer and enforce the laws of this state; the rules and regulations adopted by the departments, boards, bureaus, commissions, and agencies of this state; and any ordinances, rules, regulations, or codes adopted by the county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state that are related to the prevention and suppression of fires, explosions, or injuries from hazardous materials and explosions and the protection of life and property from such hazards;
(4)
Conduct programs of public education in fire prevention and safety;
(5)
Conduct emergency medical services and rescue assistance, subject to Chapter 11 of Title 31 and subject to the approval of the county, municipality, or other political subdivision;
(6)
Control and regulate the flow of traffic in areas of existing emergencies, including rail, highway, water, and air traffic; and
(7)
Perform all such services of a fire department as may be provided by law or which necessarily appertain thereto.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 3 - LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-27) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-6) › Section 25-3-2 - Powers of fire departments in event of emergencies generally

In the event of any fire, explosion, bomb threat, or similar emergency, the fire department in any county, municipality, or other political subdivision shall be authorized to:
(1)
Enter any property, building, structure, vehicle, watercraft, aircraft, railroad car, or other place for the purpose of fighting the fire, explosion, or similar hazardous conditions or searching for a bomb or enter any such place which is, in the opinion of the chief officer of the fire department or his designee, endangered by fire, explosion, bomb threat, or similar hazardous conditions;
(2)
Cut any wires, electrical or otherwise, or turn off any utility, as deemed necessary to preserve life or property;
(3)
Prevent the blocking of any public or private street, road or alley, way or driveway, or emergency lane during any such emergency and remove any vehicles or other obstructions necessary;
(4)
Confiscate supplies, chemicals, or equipment necessary for such emergency;
(5)
Make any necessary tests; and
(6)
Evacuate any building or area necessary.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 3 - LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-27) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-6) › Section 25-3-3 - Provision of assistance to respond to emergencies, disasters, or hazardous materials

Any fire department may provide assistance to any agency or officer of the United States government, of this state, or of any political subdivision or authority thereof as may be needed to respond to any emergency or disaster, including, but not limited to, floods, sabotage, civil disturbance, fire, earthquake, wind, storm, wave action, oil spill or other water contamination, epidemic, air contamination, blight, drought, infestation, explosion, riot, or energy emergency, as defined by Chapter 3 of Title 38, or to respond to hazardous materials.
Amended by 2023 Ga. Laws 353,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2023.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 3 - LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-27) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-6) › Section 25-3-4 - Authority of counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions to enact ordinances, regulations, or codes

The governing body of each county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state shall have the power to enact such ordinances, regulations, or fire and life safety codes as may be necessary to carry out this article.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 3 - LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-27) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-6) › Section 25-3-5 - Operation of other fire departments within municipalities or counties

Nothing within this article shall be construed so as to permit a county or other fire department to operate within the limits of a municipality except by written or oral contract with the municipality. Nothing within this article shall be construed so as to permit a municipal fire department to operate in the unincorporated area of a county except by written or oral contract with the county.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 3 - LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-27) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-6) › Section 25-3-6 - Effect of article on powers and duties of other officials and departments

This article shall not affect the duties, powers, or responsibilities of the Safety Fire Commissioner, the state fire marshal, the sheriff's office, the Department of Public Safety, local law enforcement agencies, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Natural Resources, the State Forestry Commission, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Defense, or the Department of Public Health.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 684,§ 25, eff. 5/1/2012.
Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 244,§ 6-3, eff. 7/1/2011.
Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 102,§ 1-4, eff. 7/1/2009.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 3 - LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-27) › Article 2 - MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (§§ 25-3-20 — 25-3-27) › Section 25-3-20 - Legislative intent

It is the intention of the General Assembly of Georgia to establish minimum requirements for all fire departments operating in this state. The General Assembly recognizes that fire departments operating in this state cannot function effectively and efficiently as full-time fire departments without meeting or exceeding the minimum requirements established by this article.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 3 - LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-27) › Article 2 - MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (§§ 25-3-20 — 25-3-27) › Section 25-3-21 - Definitions

As used in this article, the term:
(1)
"Executive director" means the executive director of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.
(2)
(A)
"Fire department" means any fire department which is authorized to exercise the general and emergency powers enumerated in Code Sections
25-3-1
and
25-3-2
.
(B)
"Fire department" also means any department, agency, organization, or company operating in this state with the intent and purpose of carrying out the duties, functions, powers, and responsibilities normally associated with a fire department. These duties, functions, powers, and responsibilities include but are not limited to the protection of life and property against fire, explosions, or other hazards.
(3)
"Firefighter" means any able-bodied person at least 18 years of age who has been duly appointed by a legally constituted fire department and who has the responsibility of preventing and suppressing fires, protecting life and property, and performing other duties enumerated in Code Sections
25-3-1
and
25-3-2
.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 3 - LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-27) › Article 2 - MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (§§ 25-3-20 — 25-3-27) › Section 25-3-22 - Notification and documentation that organization meets requirements; issuance of certificate of compliance

(a)
In order for a fire department employing full-time firefighters or part-time firefighters to be legally organized to operate in the State of Georgia, the chief administrative officer of the fire department shall notify and submit all required documentation to the executive director that demonstrates that the organization meets the minimum requirements specified in Code Section
25-3-23
and the rules and regulations of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council to function as a fire department. If the executive director is satisfied that the fire department meets the minimum requirements contained in Code Section
25-3-23
and the rules and regulations of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council, he or she shall recommend to the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council that a certificate of compliance be issued by the council to the fire department. If the council issues such certificate of compliance, the fire department shall be authorized to exercise the general and emergency powers set forth in Code Sections
25-3-1
and
25-3-2
.
(b)
In order for a volunteer fire department to be legally organized to operate in the State of Georgia, the chief administrative officer of the fire department shall notify and submit all required documentation to the executive director that demonstrates that the organization meets the minimum requirements specified in Code Section
25-3-23
and the rules and regulations of the Georgia Volunteer Fire Service Council to function as a volunteer fire department. If the executive director is satisfied that the volunteer fire department meets the minimum requirements contained in Code Section
25-3-23
and the rules and regulations of the Georgia Volunteer Fire Service Council, he or she shall recommend to the Georgia Volunteer Fire Service Council that a certificate of compliance be issued by such council to the volunteer fire department. If the Georgia Volunteer Fire Service Council issues such certificate of compliance, the fire department shall be authorized to exercise the general and emergency powers set forth in Code Sections
25-3-1
and
25-3-2
.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 542,§ 1, eff. 1/1/2021.
Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 330,§ 1, eff. 4/26/2016.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 388,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2004
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 3 - LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-27) › Article 2 - MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (§§ 25-3-20 — 25-3-27) › Section 25-3-24 - Authority of executive director to determine compliance

The executive director may consult with and consider the recommendations of the director of the State Forestry Commission, the director of the Georgia Fire Academy, the state fire marshal, and the governing authority of any county or municipality in which the fire department is located to determine if individual fire departments are complying with the minimum provisions of this article and serving the best interests of the citizens of the area of its operations.
Amended by 2015 Ga. Laws 9,§ 25, eff. 3/13/2015.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 3 - LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-27) › Article 2 - MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (§§ 25-3-20 — 25-3-27) › Section 25-3-25 - Suspension or revocation of certificate of compliance; hearing by aggrieved departments; enforcement of suspensions or revocations

(a)
The certificate of compliance issued by the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council or the Georgia Volunteer Fire Service Council shall be subject to suspension or revocation by the applicable council at any time it receives satisfactory evidence that the fire department is not maintaining sufficient personnel, equipment, or insurance required by Code Section
25-3-23
, or the rules and regulations of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council, for fire departments employing full-time firefighters or part-time firefighters, or the Georgia Volunteer Fire Service Council, for fire departments solely utilizing volunteer firefighters, pursuant to subsection (c) of Code Section
25-3-23
.
(b)
The chief administrative officer of any fire department aggrieved by a decision of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council, for fire departments employing full-time firefighters or part-time firefighters, or the Georgia Volunteer Fire Service Council, for fire departments solely utilizing volunteer firefighters, under subsection (a) of this Code section may, within 30 days of the date of such decision, request a hearing on the matter before the applicable council. Following a hearing before the applicable council, the chief administrative officer of the fire department affected shall be served with a written decision of the applicable council announcing whether the certificate of compliance shall remain revoked or suspended or whether it shall be reinstated.
(c)
The Georgia Firefighters Standards and Training Council, for fire departments employing full-time firefighters or part-time firefighters, or the Georgia Volunteer Fire Service Council, for fire departments solely utilizing volunteer firefighters, shall not suspend or revoke any certificate of compliance for failure to meet firefighter training requirements when such failure was due to unavailability of required training from or through the Georgia Fire Academy.
(d)
The Georgia Firefighters Standards and Training Council, for fire departments employing full-time firefighters or part-time firefighters, or the Georgia Volunteer Fire Service Council, for fire departments solely utilizing volunteer firefighters, may refer suspensions or revocations to the Attorney General for enforcement. Upon referral from a council, the Attorney General may bring a civil action to enjoin any organization which is not in compliance with the applicable requirements of this chapter from performing any or all firefighting functions until such requirements are met by such organization.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 542,§ 3, eff. 1/1/2021.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 388,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2004
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 3 - LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-27) › Article 2 - MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (§§ 25-3-20 — 25-3-27) › Section 25-3-26 - Duty of executive director to cooperate with fire departments

The executive director shall cooperate with newly formed and existing fire departments to ensure that all fire departments in this state are in compliance with the provisions of this article by July 1, 1986.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 3 - LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY (§§ 25-3-1 — 25-3-27) › Article 2 - MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (§§ 25-3-20 — 25-3-27) › Section 25-3-27 - Construction of article

This article shall not be construed to amend, modify, or repeal any of the provisions of Chapter 4 of this title, known as the "Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Act," nor shall this article be construed to restrict the requirements of any other provisions relating to fire departments, equipment, or personnel.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 4 - FIREFIGHTER STANDARDS AND TRAINING (§§ 25-4-1 — 25-4-30) › Section 25-4-1 - Short title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Act."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 4 - FIREFIGHTER STANDARDS AND TRAINING (§§ 25-4-1 — 25-4-30) › Section 25-4-4 - Eligibility of council and volunteer council members for public office

Membership on the council or volunteer council does not constitute public office, and no member shall be disqualified from holding public office by reason of his or her membership.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 542,§ 6, eff. 1/1/2021.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 4 - FIREFIGHTER STANDARDS AND TRAINING (§§ 25-4-1 — 25-4-30) › Section 25-4-5 - Administrative assignment to Department of Public Safety; source of funds; authority to accept gifts and other items of value

The council and volunteer council are assigned to the Department of Public Safety for administrative purposes. The funds necessary to carry out this chapter shall come from funds appropriated to and available to the council and volunteer council and from any other available funds. The council and volunteer council are authorized to accept and use gifts, grants, and donations for the purpose of carrying out this chapter. The council and volunteer council are also authorized to accept and use property, both real and personal, and services for the purpose of carrying out this chapter.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 542,§ 7, eff. 1/1/2021.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 4 - FIREFIGHTER STANDARDS AND TRAINING (§§ 25-4-1 — 25-4-30) › Section 25-4-6 - Meetings, quorum, and annual reporting of council and volunteer council

(a)
The business of the council shall be conducted in the following manner:
(1)
The council shall hold at least two regular meetings each year at the call of the chairperson or upon the written request of six members of the council. Six members of the council shall constitute a quorum. The council shall adopt such rules for the transaction of its business as it shall desire and may appoint such committees as it considers necessary to carry out its business and duties; and
(2)
The council shall make an annual report of its activities to the Governor and to the General Assembly and shall include in the report its recommendations for appropriate legislation. The council shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient.
(b)
The business of the volunteer council shall be conducted in the following manner:
(1)
The volunteer council shall hold at least two regular meetings each year at the call of the chairperson or upon written request of four members of the volunteer council. Four members of the volunteer council shall constitute a quorum. The volunteer council shall adopt such rules for the transaction of its business as it shall desire and may appoint such committees as it considers necessary to carry out its business and duties; and
(2)
The volunteer council shall make an annual report of its activities to the Governor and to the General Assembly and shall include in the report its recommendations for appropriate legislation. The volunteer council shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 542,§ 8, eff. 1/1/2021.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 624,§ 25, eff. 6/3/2010.
Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 449,§ 3, eff. 5/6/2008.
Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 333,§ 21, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 4 - FIREFIGHTER STANDARDS AND TRAINING (§§ 25-4-1 — 25-4-30) › Section 25-4-7.1 - Appointment of executive director; employment of other personnel

(a)
The council, in conjunction with the volunteer council, shall appoint and establish the compensation of an executive director who shall serve at the pleasure of the council.
(b)
The executive director may contract for such services and employ such other professional, technical, and clerical personnel as may be necessary and convenient to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
(c)
The executive director shall provide the same services in support of the volunteer council as provided to the council.
(d)
The executive director shall bring all issues involving volunteer firefighters and volunteer fire departments to the volunteer council.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 542,§ 10, eff. 1/1/2021.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 388,§ 7, eff. 7/1/2004.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 4 - FIREFIGHTER STANDARDS AND TRAINING (§§ 25-4-1 — 25-4-30) › Section 25-4-9 - Basic firefighter training course; transfer of certification

(a)
(1)
(A)
Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, full-time, and part-time firefighters, including airport firefighters, shall successfully complete a basic training course. The council shall determine the course content, number of hours, and all other matters relative to basic firefighter training, including airport rescue firefighter training for full-time and part-time firefighters. Upon satisfactory completion of such basic training, a firefighter shall be issued a certificate of completion evidencing the same. Each firefighter shall be required to successfully complete such basic training course within 12 months after being employed or appointed as a firefighter or, in the case of airport firefighters, within such time period as the council may prescribe by rule or regulation.
(B)
The volunteer council shall determine the course content, number of hours, and all other matters relative to basic firefighter training for volunteer firefighters. Each volunteer firefighter shall be required to complete such basic training course within 18 months after being appointed as volunteer firefighter.
(2)
Each firefighter who presents to the council, or to the volunteer council in the case of volunteer firefighters, satisfactory documentation, as determined by the council or volunteer council, of his or her training as a member of the United States armed forces, the Georgia National Guard, or the Georgia Air National Guard shall be issued a certificate of completion by the council or volunteer council.
(b)
A firefighter certified by the council may, upon termination of employment from any fire department and upon agreement with a subsequently employing fire department, transfer such certification to the employing fire department.
(c)
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of this Code section, any local fire department may refuse to accept the transfer of previously acquired certification and may require any newly employed firefighter to complete the basic training course provided for in subsection (a) of this Code section.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 542,§ 12, eff. 1/1/2021.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 327,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2018.
Added by 2005 Ga. Laws 121,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2005.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 388,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2004
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 952,§ 11, eff. 7/1/2002.
Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 787,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2002.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 4 - FIREFIGHTER STANDARDS AND TRAINING (§§ 25-4-1 — 25-4-30) › Section 25-4-10 - Mandatory training

(a)
As a condition of continued certification, all full-time and part-time firefighters shall train, drill, or study at schools, classes, or courses at the local, area, or state level, as specified by the council. Authorized leaves of absence are expected.
(b)
As a condition of continued certification, all volunteer firefighters shall train, drill, or study at schools, classes, or courses at the local, area, or state level, as specified by the volunteer council. Authorized leaves of absence are expected.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 542,§ 13, eff. 1/1/2021.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 388,§ 9, eff. 7/1/2004
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 4 - FIREFIGHTER STANDARDS AND TRAINING (§§ 25-4-1 — 25-4-30) › Section 25-4-11 - Adoption of higher training requirements by employing agencies

This chapter shall provide only the minimum qualification standards in training requirements for firefighters in this state and does not restrict any employing agency from setting and establishing requirements that exceed these minimum standards.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 4 - FIREFIGHTER STANDARDS AND TRAINING (§§ 25-4-1 — 25-4-30) › Section 25-4-11.1 - Random testing for illegal drug usage by qualified firefighters

(a)
All firefighters qualified based upon successful completion of training set forth in subparagraph (a)(2)(A) of Code Section
25-4-8
shall be subject to random testing for evidence of use of illegal drugs. Such testing shall occur at least biannually for the first two years of licensure or certification. Such testing shall be noninvasive and may be conducted at any time during the calendar year, and the cost of all such testing shall be borne by the employer. If the drug test shows the presence of drugs in the firefighter's system, the results of the test will be confirmed with an alternative method by using the same urine sample.
(b)
The council shall adopt rules and regulations for purposes of testing and retesting for illegal drugs, including:
(1)
Which illegal drugs will be the subject of testing;
(2)
Methods for ensuring minimal privacy intrusions during collection of body fluid specimens for such testing;
(3)
Methods for ensuring proper storage, transportation, and handling of such specimens in order to maintain the integrity of the testing process;
(4)
Which persons should be entitled to the results of such tests and which methods should be used for ensuring that only authorized persons are given access to such results;
(5)
A list of laboratories qualified to conduct established drug tests; and
(6)
Procedures through which firefighters, prior to the collection of body fluid specimens for such testing, may provide information to their employers regarding use of any drug pursuant to a medical prescription or, as otherwise authorized by law, any substance which could affect the results of such test.
(c)
Any rules or regulations adopted pursuant to this Code section shall be in compliance with Parts 40 and 382 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Added by 2021 Ga. Laws 292,§ 2, eff. 5/10/2021.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 4 - FIREFIGHTER STANDARDS AND TRAINING (§§ 25-4-1 — 25-4-30) › Section 25-4-12 - Applicability of chapter

Nothing in this chapter shall apply to firefighters employed on July 1, 1971, and such firefighters are not required to meet the requirements of Code Section
25-4-8
or Code Section
25-4-9
as a condition of tenure or continued employment; nor shall their failure to fulfill such requirements make them ineligible for any promotional examination for which they are otherwise eligible, affect in any way any pension rights to which they are otherwise eligible, or affect in any way pension rights to which they may be entitled on July 1, 1971. The council shall have the authority to investigate qualifications of, and in its discretion to issue certificates to, those previously trained firefighters employed on July 1, 1971.
Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 307,§ 25, eff. 5/10/2021.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 4 - FIREFIGHTER STANDARDS AND TRAINING (§§ 25-4-1 — 25-4-30) › Section 25-4-30 - and 25-4-31 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2005 Ga. Laws 121,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2005.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 5 - RESOLUTION OF WAGES, HOURS, WORKING CONDITIONS, ETC., OF FIREFIGHTERS (§§ 25-5-1 — 25-5-14) › Section 25-5-1 - Short title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Firefighter's Mediation Act."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 5 - RESOLUTION OF WAGES, HOURS, WORKING CONDITIONS, ETC., OF FIREFIGHTERS (§§ 25-5-1 — 25-5-14) › Section 25-5-2 - Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term:
(1)
"Corporate authorities" means the proper officials within any municipality whose duty it is to establish the wages, salaries, rates of pay, hours, working conditions, and other terms and conditions of employment of firefighters, as defined in paragraph (2) of this Code section, whether they are the mayor, city manager, city administrator, city council, board of aldermen, director of personnel, personnel board, or any combination thereof, or by whatever other name the same may be designated. The term shall also mean the employing authority for firefighters at Central State Hospital.
(2)
"Firefighter" means the permanent members of any paid fire department of any municipality of this state having a population of 20,000 or more according to the United States decennial census of 1980 or any future such census who are employed for and subject to fire-fighting duties.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 5 - RESOLUTION OF WAGES, HOURS, WORKING CONDITIONS, ETC., OF FIREFIGHTERS (§§ 25-5-1 — 25-5-14) › Section 25-5-3 - Declaration of public policy

(a)
The protection of the public health, safety, and welfare demands that the permanent members of any paid fire department of a municipality should not be accorded the right to strike or engage in any work stoppage or slowdown. This necessary prohibition, however, shall not prohibit such municipal employees from being represented by a labor organization of their choice and from bargaining collectively concerning wages, rates of pay, and other terms and conditions of employment.
(b)
It is declared to be the public policy of this state to accord to the permanent members of any paid fire department of those municipalities which are covered by this chapter all of the privileges enumerated in subsection (a) of this Code section other than the right to strike or to engage in any work stoppage or slowdown. To provide for the exercise of these privileges, a method of mediation of disputes is established.
(c)
The establishment of a method of mediation referred to in subsection (b) of this Code section shall not, however, in any way whatever, be deemed to be a recognition by the state of compulsory mediation or arbitration as a superior method of settling labor disputes between employees who possess the right to strike and their employers but rather shall be deemed to be a recognition solely of the necessity to provide some alternative mode of settling disputes where employees are, as a matter of public policy, denied the right to strike.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 25 - FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY (§§ 25-1-1 — 25-15-110) › Chapter 5 - RESOLUTION OF WAGES, HOURS, WORKING CONDITIONS, ETC., OF FIREFIGHTERS (§§ 25-5-1 — 25-5-14) › Section 25-5-4 - Right of firefighters to bargain collectively

Firefighters shall have the right to bargain collectively with their respective corporate authorities and to be represented by a labor organization in such collective bargaining as to wages, rates of pay, hours, working conditions, and all other terms and conditions of employment.