The Illinois House has approved a bill that would require higher education institutions to establish policies for awarding academic credit for firefighter training. State Representative Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) sponsored the bill, known as House Bill 1149, which was initiated by a group of volunteer fire chiefs.
“This bill allows a career or volunteer firefighter to complete their fire training and then take that firefighter training to a local university or community college and apply for credit hours for that firefighter training,” Swanson explained. The policy aligns with existing credit opportunities for military personnel and emergency medical technicians.
The legislation garnered unanimous support in the House, passing 115-0. It now moves to the Senate for further review.
The 71st District residents of Illinois can access further updates and information about legislative developments and events on Representative Swanson’s website at repswanson.com.
