Fire marshals seek statutory clarity as law‑enforcement officers; committee carries bill for further drafting

House Bill 13 15, presented by Delegate Scott, would include certain fire marshals in the Code of Virginia definition of law‑enforcement officers across key statutes so that authorities such as arrest powers, scene control and emergency protective orders are uniformly recognized. The bill’s sponsors said the change is largely technical and intended to remove inconsistencies between code sections.

Multiple fire department witnesses told the committee the measure clarifies existing practice rather than creating new authority. "This is just a technical correction, to get everything lined up in the code," said Stephen Seitz of the City of Fairfax. Fire marshals and deputy fire marshals described current variance across localities in training, certification, and whether individual marshals are full sworn officers.

Committee members pressed authors on drafting, distinctions among different types of fire‑safety officials, training and in‑service requirements, and whether the bill would broaden authorities such as strip‑search powers or mandatory minimums. Given those unresolved drafting and policy concerns, the committee carried HB 13 15 to the 2027 session to allow additional stakeholder work and technical corrections.

Next steps: sponsors agreed to continue working with Department of Fire Programs, DCJS, and stakeholders to tighten language and clarify training and role delineation.