Bill > HB1310

This bill aims to bolster the Wildfire Resilient Homes Grant Program by establishing a funding mechanism tied to the Wildfire Mitigation Capacity Development Fund. Starting in state fiscal year 2027-28, the General Assembly will be required to appropriate money from the Wildfire Mitigation Capacity Development Fund to the Wildfire Resilient Homes Grant Program cash fund, with the amount increasing over time. Specifically, for fiscal year 2027-28, at least 10% of the prior year's grant funding will be appropriated, rising to 30% for fiscal year 2028-29, and then at least 50% for fiscal year 2029-30 and subsequent years, with these provisions set to expire on July 1, 2030. The bill also clarifies that "income qualified" means a household income at or below 70% of the area median income, as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Crucially, when awarding grants for home hardening, which refers to making homes more resistant to wildfire damage, the Division of Fire Prevention and Control within the Department of Public Safety must prioritize homeowners who are income qualified or who are unable to perform the work themselves due to age, disability, or illness.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1310