Amends TCA Section 39-17-1315 and Title 68, Chapter 102.

Present law confers police powers and the right to make arrests related to arson investigation to municipal fire investigators who have been authorized to conduct arson investigations by the chief of the municipal fire department or the director of fire services. Present law authorizes such municipal fire investigators to carry a pistol or side arm while on active duty, subject to meeting the same firearm training, bonding, and permit requirements as persons under present law authorized to carry pursuant to a written directive, such as law enforcement officers.<br /> <br /> This bill extends the same powers, rights, and requirements described above to salaried county fire investigators who have been authorized to conduct arson investigations by the chief of the county-wide fire department or director of fire services.<br /> <br />