ST FIRE MARSHAL - WEAPONS

Amends the State Fire Marshal Act and the Peace Officer Fire Investigation Act to allow arson investigators of the State Fire Marshal designated State Fire Marshal Special Agents to exercise peace officer powers and carry weapons at all times, rather than only in the course of arson investigations. Sets forth that these Special Agents may exercise these powers and carry weapons at all times, but only if they have satisfactorily completed (1) a training course approved by the Department of State Police that substantially conforms to the standards promulgated pursuant to the Peace Officer Firearm Training Act and (2) a course in fire and arson investigation approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal pursuant to the Illinois Fire Protection Training Act. Provides that this authorization applies only to State Fire Marshal Special Agents excluding any fire investigator, fireman, police officer, or other employee of the Federal government; any fire investigator, fireman, police officer, or other employee of any unit of local government; or any fire investigator, fireman, police officer, or other employee of the State of Illinois other than an employee of the Office of the State Fire Marshal assigned to investigate arson. Effective immediately.