Bill > SB514

This bill aims to enhance wildfire prevention efforts by making several key modifications to existing laws. It indefinitely extends a statewide program that allows qualified entities, including newly added nonprofit wildfire resiliency organizations, to conduct defensible space and home hardening assessments in both state and local responsibility areas. The bill requires that any data collected voluntarily from property owners be anonymized and kept confidential if requested, and prohibits using such data for compliance or enforcement purposes unless specifically authorized by the property owner. The Office of the State Fire Marshal is authorized to develop a home hardening certification program by January 1, 2027, and may certify contractors who have completed a specific training program for wildfire resiliency efforts. Additionally, the bill expands the California Fire Service Training and Education Program to allow certification of contractors involved in defensible space, home hardening, fuel reduction, and roadside clearance activities. The legislation aims to support wildfire mitigation by providing consistent training, education, and assessment standards while protecting property owners' privacy and encouraging voluntary participation in wildfire risk reduction efforts.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB514