(a) The commission shall:

(1) Recommend minimum standards of education and physical condition required of each candidate for any firefighter position;

(2) Establish standards for a fire service training and education program, on a voluntary basis, and develop and conduct an examination program to certify those fire service personnel who satisfactorily demonstrate their ability to meet the requirements of the fire service training and education program standards;

(3) Establish an optional fire service training and education program in the handling of incidents, such as wandering, that involve juveniles and adults with autism spectrum disorder, cognitive impairment or nonverbal learning disorder, provided the curriculum for such techniques is made available at no cost from (A) institutions of higher education, health care professionals or advocacy organizations that are concerned with juveniles and adults with autism spectrum disorder, cognitive impairment or nonverbal learning disorder, or (B) collaborations of such institutions, professionals or organizations;

(4) Conduct fire fighting training and education programs designed to assist firefighters in developing and maintaining their skills and keeping abreast of technological advances in fire suppression, fire protection, fire prevention and related fields;

(5) Recommend standards for promotion to the various ranks of fire departments;

(6) Be authorized, with the approval of the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection, to apply for, receive and distribute any state, federal or private funds or contributions available for training and education of fire fighting personnel;

(7) Recommend that the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection approve or reject the establishment of, or, when appropriate, suspend or revoke the approval of, regional fire schools in accordance with § 7-323u; and

(8) Submit to the Governor, the Joint Legislative Management Committee of the General Assembly and the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection an annual report relating to the activities, recommendations and accomplishments of the commission.

(b) The commission may recommend, and the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection may adopt, regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 as necessary to implement the provisions of this section.