Revise firefighter qualifications

This bill revises Montana's legal requirements for becoming a firefighter by allowing fire chiefs to make exceptions for individuals with certain criminal convictions. Under current law, applicants cannot have been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment, but this legislation would permit fire chiefs to approve candidates who have been convicted of misdemeanors or felonies, provided the crime does not require registration on the sexual or violent offender registry. The bill also clarifies that physical examination results must be documented in writing and filed with the city or town clerk. These changes directly affect municipal fire departments in Montana and the hiring process for firefighters across the state.