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STATE OF CALIFORNIA, LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
Bill AB 2344, introduced by Assembly Member Petrie-Norris in the 2023-2024 Regular Session, addresses fire prevention through grant programs and reporting.
ABSTRACT:
Fire incidents have increased both in frequency and severity in California, leading to significant loss of life and damage to public health, property, infrastructure, and ecosystems. With approximately one in four residential structures located within or near high-risk very high fire hazard zones, the state's approach to wildfire-related disaster preparedness, mitigation, and resilience was established through the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan. The plan outlines a detled strategy and expiture plan for building healthy and resilient forests and communities capable of withstanding wildfires, droughts, and climate change impacts.
The state has invested nearly $3 billion in programs since fiscal year 2019 med at improving forest health and resilience, creating fuel breaks, enhancing home and community safety measures, and developing resilient infrastructure that can withstand future fire disasters. These efforts have been complemented by multiple state and federal wildfire prevention and management programs designed to benefit forest health and resilience.
The proposed legislation requires the California Wildfire and Forest Health Task Force to compile and publish information on publicly funded grant programs in the state that support forest health and resilience, improve home safety, mitigate fire risks, or prevent wildfires. This includes data for each program's allocation, recipients and project locations, encumbrances, project descriptions including status and completion schedule, anticipated benefits such as fire prevention, habitat conservation, climate resilience, public safety, and protection of natural resources.
IMPACT OF AB 2344:
This bill enhance transparency by providing a comprehensive view of state-funded wildfire programs, thereby facilitating oversight, evaluation, and potential improvements in the effectiveness of these initiatives. It promotes accountability among program recipients and ensures that funds are used efficiently for their inted purposes. This information will assist policymakers, stakeholders, and the public in making informed decisions about resource allocation and prioritizing areas most at risk.
AB 2344 mandates annual updates starting July 1, 2025, which should help in tracking progress, identifying successful strategies, and guiding future investments in wildfire prevention and management efforts. It encourages continuous improvement in program implementation and underscores the importance of collaboration between state agencies and local communities to tackle this significant environmental challenge.
In , AB 2344 represents an important step towards a more systematic approach to managing wildfires through better-informed decision-making based on data-driven analysis of existing grant programs. This legislative initiative supports enhanced community safety by ensuring that resources are effectively directed toward the most effective solutions in forest health and wildfire prevention.
STATE SUPPORT AND EFFECTIVE DATES:
Legislative support has been provided by the Governor's office, with timelines set for implementation beginning July 1, 2025, as required by AB 2344. The bill foster ongoing dialogue between state agencies, local governments, and stakeholders about wildfire management strategies and funding priorities.
AB 2344 serves as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation in forest health conservation and wildfire prevention efforts. Its implementation will mark a strategic shift towards data-driven policy making, ensuring that California's investment in wildfire resilience is both efficient and impactful.
This article is reproduced from: https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB2344/id/2925413
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California Wildfire Prevention Programs Forest Health and Resilience Grants Publicly Funded Fire Disaster Initiatives Enhanced Home Safety Measure Reports Comprehensive Grant Program Transparency Annual Task Force Reporting on Wildfires