As of March 1, more than 50 bills directly related to wildfire,
forestry and fire safety, as well as two resources-focused bonds
(AB
1500 and
SB 45), have been introduced in the Legislature. Both houses
are working through an early-action wildfire and prevention
budget package, as well as the Governor’s broader $1 billion
proposal for forest health and safety. CSAC has weighed in early
on budget actions,
submitting letters to the Senate and Assembly budget
committees on early implementation and wildfire and fire
prevention support.
The Senate has convened a Wildfire Working Group co-chaired by
Senator Mick McGuire (D-Healdsburg) and Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin
Park) and has released a legislation package and budget framework
to prioritize fire prevention and response efforts in
coordination with Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins
(D-San Diego). The “Blueprint
for a Fire Safe California” is a comprehensive policy outline
that includes a four-pronged approach to wildfire resiliency and
response for the state.
The plan hinges on four key areas of focus: Training and
deploying a fire resiliency workforce; implementing
a modern-day vegetation, forest-management, and community
hardening plan; expanding consumer access to the homeowners’
insurance market; and developing short and long-term funding
plans here in the State of California.
As part of the Blueprint, the State Senate Budget Subcommittee on
Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy approved a $573
million budget framework on wildfire prevention and response on
Tuesday. This framework lays out the Senate’s Budget Subcommittee
priorities for early budget action and builds upon Governor
Newsom’s $323 million early budget proposal. This fiscal
framework will be part of negotiations to move a wildfire
prevention and response budget bill in the coming weeks and not
wait until the traditional budget approval process in June.
