Bill > SB616

This bill establishes the Community Hardening Commission as an independent unit within the Department of Insurance to develop comprehensive wildfire mitigation strategies and standards. The seven-member commission, chaired by the Insurance Commissioner, will include representatives from various state agencies and legislative bodies, and will be advised by an advisory council with expertise in wildfire science, insurance, and community safety. Beginning January 1, 2026, the commission will meet quarterly to develop new wildfire community hardening standards aimed at reducing fire risk and improving fire insurance access, which will include guidelines for home hardening, community infrastructure improvements, and strategies for enhancing fire prevention and suppression. The commission will review existing home hardening regulations, make recommendations to state agencies, and work to expedite cost-effective community hardening practices. By July 1, 2027, the commission must complete new standards and submit a report to the Legislature, and they will also be required to conduct after-action investigations following specific catastrophic wildfire events. Additionally, the bill mandates the development of a wildfire data sharing platform to help state and local agencies accurately measure and monitor wildfire risks, with provisions to protect consumer privacy and allow voluntary participation.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB616