California Fire Service Training and Education Program: California Fire and Arson Training Act: fees.

Senator Hurtado's proposal to modify California's fire service training programs would limit when the State Fire Marshal can charge fees for educational seminars, conferences, and specialized training. Under the measure, fees could only be established when state appropriations and other funding sources prove insufficient to cover program costs.

The bill affects two key components of California's fire safety training system. For the Fire Service Training and Education Program, it restricts the State Fire Marshal's existing fee collection authority to situations where other funding falls short. Similarly, for activities under the California Fire and Arson Training Act - including establishing personnel standards, developing curricula, and managing promotional examinations - fees could only be imposed to fill documented funding gaps. The measure also prohibits charging local fire services for training related to state laws and regulations they must enforce.

These changes would alter how California funds its fire service training infrastructure. Rather than relying on participant fees, the programs would depend primarily on state appropriations and alternative funding sources. The State Fire Marshal would need to demonstrate insufficient funding before implementing any new fees for specialized training activities.