Bill > HB2104

This bill makes changes to existing law regarding funding for aviation resources used by local and tribal fire departments to combat wildland fires. It amends a previous law to clarify that providing financial assurances to local fire departments for deploying aviation assets, such as aircraft that can drop fire retardants and water, offers greater protection to natural resources, air quality, and communities. The bill also states that the legislature finds the pilot program for local aviation resources enacted in 2023 has been efficient and intends to make this program permanent by removing its expiration date, thereby strengthening initial response options and potentially saving the state money. Furthermore, the bill intends to continue providing funding to the department of natural resources to support local fire departments in using these aviation resources for initial attack strategies, ensuring local departments have the financial capacity to effectively control fires throughout the season and incentivizing quicker aircraft deployment to minimize damage. Finally, this bill repeals a section of the 2023 law, effectively removing a previous expiration date for this program.