Endangered species: incidental take: wildfire preparedness activities.

Assembly Member Connolly's wildfire preparedness legislation establishes a framework for local agencies to conduct fire prevention activities while protecting endangered species. The measure creates a process for cities, counties, and special districts to submit wildfire preparedness plans to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for areas designated as fire hazard severity zones.

Under the new provisions, local agencies must include detailed information in their preparedness plans about proposed activities, timing, and potentially affected species. The Department must review submissions within 90 days to determine whether an incidental take permit is required or if activities qualify for other pathways like the California Vegetation Treatment Program. When permits are needed, the Department must process complete applications within 45 days, with permits valid for at least five years and eligible for renewal.

The legislation requires the Department to develop a standardized submission form by July 2026 and begin publishing annual summaries of submitted plans in 2027. These summaries will track plan status, regional distribution, permit issuance, and available streamlined options. The Department will charge local agencies fees to cover plan review costs. The measure allows timeline extensions by mutual agreement between the Department and local agencies while requiring that all plans incorporate best available science for both fire preparedness and species conservation.