Bill > SB662

This bill extends two existing wildfire prevention and education programs from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031. The first program allows qualified entities (such as counties, conservation corps, fire safe councils, and professional foresters) to support the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in conducting defensible space and home hardening assessments. Defensible space refers to creating a buffer zone around structures to reduce wildfire risk, and home hardening involves replacing or repairing structural features to make buildings more fire-resistant. The bill requires the department to establish a common reporting platform for these assessments and allows the data to be used for directing inspection and educational resources. The second program involves developing a training program to certify volunteers and third-party assessors who can help homeowners understand and implement wildfire safety improvements. The goal is to reduce wildfire spread, create cost savings for fire agencies, and increase voluntary compliance with defensible space requirements by providing consistent, standardized education and assessment across California's high-risk fire areas.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB662