Wildfires: training: defensible space: inspections.

Assembly Member Bryan's wildfire protection legislation makes California's defensible space assessment program permanent while expanding training requirements for inspectors. The measure removes the January 1, 2026 sunset date for the program that allows qualified entities to conduct defensible space evaluations and home hardening assessments in support of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Beginning July 1, 2026, the bill requires all program training to align with the State Fire Marshal's "Home Ignition Zone/Defensible Space Inspector" course plan. This standardizes preparation for individuals conducting home ignition zone inspections across qualified entities, which include counties, conservation corps, fire safe councils, and other approved organizations. The Department maintains a common reporting platform for assessment data, which it uses to target inspection and enforcement resources.

The program enables qualified entities to evaluate properties for compliance with defensible space requirements and educate owners about fire-resistant improvements, though it grants no enforcement authority. Annual legislative reports detail inspection results, compliance rates, and enforcement actions. The measure preserves existing funding mechanisms, including use of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund resources for volunteer training initiatives.