FIRE PROTECT/FIRE MARSHAL: Provides relative to authority of the state fire marshal to make arrests and carry firearms

HB 522 expands arrest and firearm authority for fire investigators in Louisiana. It grants the state fire marshal, deputies, certified local arson investigators, and municipal arson investigators the power to arrest individuals suspected of violating specific fire-related crimes (like arson, insurance fraud, or false fire alarms) while on duty. The bill requires local investigators to obtain P.O.S.T. certification for firearm carry and arrest powers, with fire department chiefs covering training costs. It also establishes a multi-jurisdictional arson task force under the fire marshal’s authority. This directly affects state and local fire investigation personnel who investigate fire-related offenses.