Bill > AB275

This bill requires the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), in consultation with the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, to establish a working group by December 31, 2026, to evaluate and develop recommendations for a statewide wildfire aerial response program. The program aims to provide year-round, 24/7 rapid aerial firefighting capabilities, potentially drawing from the existing SoCal Edison-funded Quick Reaction Force (QRF) helitanker program. The working group will explore comprehensive elements including a fleet of firefighting aircraft capable of night operations, reconnaissance aircraft with advanced technological capabilities, a mobile retardant base, and necessary support personnel. They will develop recommendations on cost-sharing models, deployment protocols, resource distribution, and strategic placement of resources, with the option to recommend implementing the program as a pilot initiative, a full-scale statewide program, or potentially not recommending implementation if feasibility studies are unfavorable. The working group will include representatives from county fire departments, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and Cal OES, and must submit a detailed report to legislative committees by December 31, 2027, outlining findings, implementation recommendations, feasibility analysis, cost projections, and deployment strategies.

Military Affairs and Security, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB275