Bill > HB983

This bill clarifies that prescribed burning, which is the controlled use of fire for silviculture purposes (managing forests for timber cultivation, hazard reduction, wildlife habitat, and other forest health goals), is exempt from certain local notice and permit requirements that might otherwise apply to burning. It revises the definition of "prescribed burning" to explicitly include these silviculture objectives and ensures that while local governments can have their own burning rules, they cannot restrict prescribed burning. The bill also updates requirements for conducting prescribed burns, stating they must be done under the guidance of an experienced individual and in accordance with the regulations outlined in the relevant part of the law, rather than requiring a specific permit under those regulations.