Broadens municipal arson investigators' powers.

This bill would expand the authority of municipal arson investigators by granting them the same powers as police officers throughout New Jersey, not just within their own municipalities. Currently, full-time members of municipal fire department arson investigation units can only exercise police powers within their own municipality while conducting arson investigations. Under this bill, these investigators would have statewide authority to investigate arson when performing their official duties. The change would apply to full-time, paid members of fire departments who have completed required training and are assigned to arson investigation units.