Bill > AB612

This bill requires the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to update the Highway Design Manual by January 1, 2026, with a new provision that mandates local governments consult with their local fire departments when planning road improvements. The purpose of this consultation is to ensure that any proposed road modifications do not adversely affect emergency response times. The bill builds upon existing requirements for the Highway Design Manual, which already incorporates the "complete streets" design concept, and aims to add an additional layer of safety consideration during infrastructure planning. By requiring direct communication between local governments and fire departments, the bill seeks to proactively prevent potential road design changes that could slow down emergency vehicle movement, thereby potentially saving lives by maintaining swift emergency response capabilities.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB612