HB 1385 Georgia House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Fire protection and safety; improve government efficiency by updating provisions of office of the Safety Fire Commissioner

Summary

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Titles 8 and 25 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to buildings and housing and fire protection and safety, respectively, so as to improve government efficiency by updating provisions of the office of the Safety Fire Commissioner; to provide for procedures for rules promulgation, hearings, and appeals; to provide for the appointment of a deputy commissioner of safety fire; to provide for certain powers in suspected arson investigations; to provide for immediate reporting of fatalities caused by fire or smoke; to provide for suspension or revocation of a license; to provide for an increased reinspection fee; to provide for an effective date; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 19, 2026 Last action Mar 6, 2026

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What changed between versions

LC 52 1044/a → LC 56 0642S/hs · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill was amended by the House Committee on Regulated Industries to clarify the roles and responsibilities of fire safety officials in Georgia. The changes reorganize the bill's structure, update section numbers, and add new provisions about arrest powers, search warrants, and employee expenses for the state fire marshal's office.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include jurisdiction over certain misdemeanors in probate courts and updated references to fire safety regulations.

REQUIREMENT

Added new requirements for deputy state fire marshals and administrative fire safety specialists to take an oath of office and perform duties related to their assigned tasks.

ENFORCEMENT

Expanded arrest powers for state fire marshal personnel to include search warrants, subpoenas, and warrantless arrests for violations of applicable criminal laws.

FISCAL

Added provisions allowing state employees in the fire marshal's office to receive subsistence, lodging, and transportation expenses when working away from headquarters.

TECHNICAL

Reorganized the bill's structure by changing section numbers and adding a substitute designation to clarify this is a committee amendment.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 6, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

lower

Feb 19, 2026

Introduced

House Hopper

lower

6 primary · 0 co-sponsors