Bill > AB1457

This bill extends and enhances California's wildfire prevention and defensible space inspection programs by making several key changes. The bill permanently continues existing programs that allow trained volunteers and qualified entities (such as counties, conservation corps, fire safe councils, and other organizations) to conduct defensible space assessments and provide education about home hardening techniques. Starting July 1, 2026, the training program will be required to include a standardized "Home Ignition Zone/Defensible Space Inspector" course established by the State Fire Marshal to ensure consistent and high-quality training for individuals conducting home inspections. The bill also requires the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to establish a common reporting platform for collecting and tracking defensible space assessment data, and mandates annual reporting to the Legislature about inspection results, including compliance rates and enforcement actions. The goal of these programs is to reduce wildfire risks by helping homeowners improve their property's fire resistance, create defensible spaces, and allow fire agencies to more efficiently direct their inspection and enforcement resources toward properties that are not meeting safety standards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1457