Fire protection; revise provisions regarding mandatory retirement of fire apparatus and response distance.

HB 1449 prevents fire departments from being forced to retire fire trucks solely based on age if the equipment passes safety inspections, meets maintenance standards, and has no critical defects. It requires the Mississippi State Rating Bureau to base replacement recommendations on objective testing - not age - and sets a minimum 7.5-mile response distance standard for fire rating evaluations. The bill also updates how funds from fire insurance premiums are allocated, directing $4.85 million annually to municipal fire departments for training, equipment, and volunteer firefighter support. These changes directly affect all Mississippi municipalities, fire districts, and volunteer fire departments managing fire apparatus and insurance ratings.