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    SB-326
    Energy & Environment

    Wildfire safety: fire protection building standards: defensible space requirements: The California Wildfire Mitigation Strategic Planning Act.

    Engrossed
    CA
    ∙
    2025-2026 Regular Session
    1
    0
    Track
    Track

    Key Takeaways

    • Establishes a comprehensive wildfire risk planning framework to coordinate and evaluate mitigation efforts statewide.
    • Requires creation of ember-resistant zones within 5 feet of structures in high-risk fire areas.
    • Provides grant funding to local agencies for wildfire prevention and home hardening through 2045.
    • Mandates stricter fire protection standards for rebuilding structures destroyed by wildfires after July 2026.

    Summary

    Senators Becker and Laird's comprehensive wildfire safety legislation establishes California's first statewide framework for coordinating and evaluating wildfire risk mitigation efforts across jurisdictions. The bill creates a three-part planning system requiring the Deputy Director of Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation to develop and maintain quantitative tools for assessing wildfire risks and mitigation strategies.

    The legislation mandates development of a Wildfire Risk Mitigation Planning Framework by January 2027 to evaluate mitigation actions geospatially, followed by a statewide Wildfire Risk Baseline and Forecast in April 2027 that will set risk reduction targets and assess current conditions. An annual Wildfire Mitigation Scenarios Report, beginning August 2027, must outline potential mitigation spending scenarios and coordination opportunities between utility and non-utility wildfire programs.

    The bill accelerates implementation of ember-resistant zone requirements for existing structures, particularly rental properties and homes for sale. Local agencies can access grant funding through 2029 to hire wildfire inspectors for enforcing these requirements in high-risk areas, provided they adopt civil fine authority for violations. The State Fire Marshal must extend current wildfire building standards to apply to all reconstruction within wildfire perimeters after July 2026.

    To support local implementation, the legislation expands eligible activities under the state's fire prevention grant program to include risk-targeted prevention work and early adoption of ember-resistant zones. Beginning in 2029, contingent on annual appropriations, the program will fund local government mitigation efforts aligned with the new planning framework through 2045.

    Key Dates

    Next Step
    Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations
    Next Step
    Assembly Committee
    Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations
    Hearing has not been scheduled yet
    Assembly Natural Resources Hearing
    Assembly Committee
    Assembly Natural Resources Hearing
    Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations]
    Assembly Emergency Management Hearing
    Assembly Committee
    Assembly Emergency Management Hearing
    Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Natural Resources]
    Vote on Senate Floor
    Senate Floor
    Vote on Senate Floor
    Senate 3rd Reading SB326 Becker et al
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Do pass
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Placed on suspense file
    Senate Natural Resources and Water Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Natural Resources and Water Hearing
    Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar
    Senate Governmental Organization Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Governmental Organization Hearing
    Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Natural Resources and Water] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar
    Introduced
    Senate Floor
    Introduced
    Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

    Contacts

    Profile
    Henry SternD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Joaquin ArambulaD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Buffy WicksD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Josh BeckerD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    John LairdD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    0 of 18 row(s) selected.
    Page 1 of 4
    Select All Legislators
    Profile
    Henry SternD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Joaquin ArambulaD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Buffy WicksD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Josh BeckerD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    John LairdD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Lisa CalderonD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Mike FongD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Diane DixonR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Gregg HartD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Blanca PachecoD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Gail PellerinD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Kate SanchezR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Tri TaR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Jessica CalozaD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Mark GonzalezD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Heather HadwickR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Jose SolacheD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Sade ElhawaryD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member

    Similar Past Legislation

    Bill NumberTitleIntroduced DateStatusLink to Bill
    SB-1014
    Wildfire safety: The California Wildfire Mitigation Strategic Planning Act.
    February 2024
    Failed
    View Bill
    SB-436
    Wildfire safety: The California Wildfire Mitigation Strategic Planning Act.
    February 2023
    Failed
    View Bill
    Showing 2 of 2 items
    Page 1 of 1

    Get Involved

    Act Now!

    Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

    Introduced By

    Henry Stern
    Henry SternD
    California State Senator
    John Laird
    John LairdD
    California State Senator
    Josh Becker
    Josh BeckerD
    California State Senator
    Co-Author
    Gail Pellerin
    Gail PellerinD
    California State Assembly Member
    40% progression
    Bill has passed all readings in its first house and is ready to move to the other house (6/3/2025)

    Latest Voting History

    View History
    July 7, 2025
    PASS
    Assembly Committee
    Assembly Natural Resources Hearing
    AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
    140014PASS

    Key Takeaways

    • Establishes a comprehensive wildfire risk planning framework to coordinate and evaluate mitigation efforts statewide.
    • Requires creation of ember-resistant zones within 5 feet of structures in high-risk fire areas.
    • Provides grant funding to local agencies for wildfire prevention and home hardening through 2045.
    • Mandates stricter fire protection standards for rebuilding structures destroyed by wildfires after July 2026.

    Get Involved

    Act Now!

    Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

    Introduced By

    Henry Stern
    Henry SternD
    California State Senator
    John Laird
    John LairdD
    California State Senator
    Josh Becker
    Josh BeckerD
    California State Senator
    Co-Author
    Gail Pellerin
    Gail PellerinD
    California State Assembly Member

    Summary

    Senators Becker and Laird's comprehensive wildfire safety legislation establishes California's first statewide framework for coordinating and evaluating wildfire risk mitigation efforts across jurisdictions. The bill creates a three-part planning system requiring the Deputy Director of Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation to develop and maintain quantitative tools for assessing wildfire risks and mitigation strategies.

    The legislation mandates development of a Wildfire Risk Mitigation Planning Framework by January 2027 to evaluate mitigation actions geospatially, followed by a statewide Wildfire Risk Baseline and Forecast in April 2027 that will set risk reduction targets and assess current conditions. An annual Wildfire Mitigation Scenarios Report, beginning August 2027, must outline potential mitigation spending scenarios and coordination opportunities between utility and non-utility wildfire programs.

    The bill accelerates implementation of ember-resistant zone requirements for existing structures, particularly rental properties and homes for sale. Local agencies can access grant funding through 2029 to hire wildfire inspectors for enforcing these requirements in high-risk areas, provided they adopt civil fine authority for violations. The State Fire Marshal must extend current wildfire building standards to apply to all reconstruction within wildfire perimeters after July 2026.

    To support local implementation, the legislation expands eligible activities under the state's fire prevention grant program to include risk-targeted prevention work and early adoption of ember-resistant zones. Beginning in 2029, contingent on annual appropriations, the program will fund local government mitigation efforts aligned with the new planning framework through 2045.

    40% progression
    Bill has passed all readings in its first house and is ready to move to the other house (6/3/2025)

    Key Dates

    Next Step
    Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations
    Next Step
    Assembly Committee
    Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations
    Hearing has not been scheduled yet
    Assembly Natural Resources Hearing
    Assembly Committee
    Assembly Natural Resources Hearing
    Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations]
    Assembly Emergency Management Hearing
    Assembly Committee
    Assembly Emergency Management Hearing
    Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Natural Resources]
    Vote on Senate Floor
    Senate Floor
    Vote on Senate Floor
    Senate 3rd Reading SB326 Becker et al
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Do pass
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Placed on suspense file
    Senate Natural Resources and Water Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Natural Resources and Water Hearing
    Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar
    Senate Governmental Organization Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Governmental Organization Hearing
    Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Natural Resources and Water] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar
    Introduced
    Senate Floor
    Introduced
    Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

    Latest Voting History

    View History
    July 7, 2025
    PASS
    Assembly Committee
    Assembly Natural Resources Hearing
    AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
    140014PASS

    Contacts

    Profile
    Henry SternD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Joaquin ArambulaD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Buffy WicksD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Josh BeckerD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    John LairdD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    0 of 18 row(s) selected.
    Page 1 of 4
    Select All Legislators
    Profile
    Henry SternD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Joaquin ArambulaD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Buffy WicksD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Josh BeckerD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    John LairdD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Lisa CalderonD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Mike FongD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Diane DixonR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Gregg HartD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Blanca PachecoD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Gail PellerinD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Kate SanchezR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Tri TaR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Jessica CalozaD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Mark GonzalezD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Heather HadwickR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Jose SolacheD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Sade ElhawaryD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member

    Similar Past Legislation

    Bill NumberTitleIntroduced DateStatusLink to Bill
    SB-1014
    Wildfire safety: The California Wildfire Mitigation Strategic Planning Act.
    February 2024
    Failed
    View Bill
    SB-436
    Wildfire safety: The California Wildfire Mitigation Strategic Planning Act.
    February 2023
    Failed
    View Bill
    Showing 2 of 2 items
    Page 1 of 1