(a) It is the intention of the Legislature to permit individuals who have been certified as professional or volunteer firefighters in a state bordering West Virginia to serve as volunteer firefighters in West Virginia.
(b) Beginning July 1, 2018, the State Fire Marshal shall establish a process by which a courtesy certification to serve as a volunteer firefighter in this state may be issued to any person who satisfies the following requirements:
(1) Is a certified professional or volunteer firefighter in good standing in a state bordering West Virginia;
(2) Complies with the application process and procedures established by the State Fire Marshal; and
(3) Submits any required fee.
(c) Issuance of a courtesy certification shall not be withheld by the State Fire Marshal based on an individual’s failure to satisfy the training requirements for volunteer firefighters set forth in legislative rules promulgated pursuant to §29-3-5d of this code.
(d) The State Fire Marshal shall propose rules for legislative approval in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code to implement the provisions of this section.
(e) Any courtesy certification issued pursuant to this section may be revoked at any time if the individual’s certification in the bordering state is restricted, revoked, or otherwise expires.
(f) Any courtesy certification issued pursuant to this section must be renewed biennially.