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 commission will consist of seven members, including key state officials like the Insurance Commissioner (who will chair the commission) and the State Fire Marshal, along with two public members appointed by legislative leadership. 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. These standards will cover guidelines for home hardening, community wildfire mitigation, enhanced emergency access routes, funding mechanisms for defensible space maintenance, and strategies to reduce barriers for cities and counties in implementing wildfire protection measures. The commission will also be advised by a nine-member advisory council representing various stakeholders including scientific research institutions, insurance industry, consumer groups, and fire safety experts. By July 1, 2027, the commission must complete new standards, submit a report to the Legislature, and develop guidelines for a statewide wildfire data sharing platform that will help agencies and insurers more accurately assess and mitigate wildfire risks. The bill allows for confidential data sharing agreements and requires periodic review and updates to the standards, with a specific focus on incorporating the best available science and lessons learned from wildfire catastrophe events.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Justice, Military Affairs and Security

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