FIRE MARSHAL-SPECIAL AGENT

Amends the State Fire Marshal Act and the Peace Officer Fire Investigation Act. Provides that arson investigations conducted by the State Fire Marshal's Office shall be conducted by State Fire Marshal Special Agents. Authorizes State Fire Marshal Special Agents to exercise peace officer powers only during the actual investigation of the cause, origin and circumstances of such fires or explosions that are suspected to be arson or arson-related crimes and to carry weapons when conducting arson investigations. Provides that this authorization applies only to State Fire Marshal Special Agents and does not apply to 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. Provides that State Fire Marshal Special Agents are exempt from the training course requirements established by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board for conservators of the peace, under Section 10.5 of the Illinois Police Training Act. Effective immediately.