AB 441: Wildfire prevention: wildfire mitigation program.
This bill aims to extend the repeal date of provisions related to wildfire prevention and mitigation in California. The provisions, which were initially set to expire on January 1, 2029, will now expire on January 1, 2031. The bill extends the repeal date for two sets of provisions, which were originally set to expire on July 1, 2029. These provisions relate to the office of wildfire technology research and development and the comprehensive wildfire mitigation program. The bill will allow these provisions to remain in effect for an additional two years, giving the state more time to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of these initiatives.
| Aug. 13, 2026 | In committee: Held under submission. |
| Jun. 29, 2026 | In committee: Referred to APPR. suspense file. |
| Jun. 10, 2026 | Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jun. 09, 2026 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (June 9). |
| Jul. 02, 2025 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author. |
| Amended IN Senate June 10, 2026 |
| Amended IN Assembly May 23, 2025 |
| Introduced by Assembly Member Hadwick |
February 06, 2025 |
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
(1)Existing law establishes the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development in state government within the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to study, test, and advise regarding procurement of emerging technologies and tools in order to more effectively prevent and suppress wildfires within the state. For those purposes, existing law requires the office to, among other things, develop a balanced, multimodal research and development program designed to identify, research, test, and evaluate emerging technologies and tools designed to improve the state’s preparation for, and response to, wildfires in the state, as specified. Existing law repeals these provisions on January 1, 2029.
This bill would extend the repeal date of the above provisions to January 1, 2031.
(2)Existing
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
(a)For purposes of this section, “office” means the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development.
(b)The Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development is hereby established in state government within the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to study, test, and advise regarding procurement of emerging technologies and tools in order to more effectively prevent and suppress wildfires within the state. The office shall serve as the central organizing hub for the state government’s identification of emerging wildfire technologies.
(c)The office shall be under the direct control of the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection.
(d)The office shall undertake, but is not limited to, the following activities:
(1)Develop a balanced, multimodal research and development program designed to identify, research, test, and evaluate emerging technologies and tools designed to improve the state’s preparation for, and response to, wildfires in the state, including, but not limited to, fire retardants and ground, aerial, mobile, portable, communication, predictive modeling, software, or stationary equipment used for California’s wildfire preparedness and by first responders.
(2)Consult with public, private, and nonprofit entities in identifying new technologies tools, software, and other advances in wildfire preparedness and response.
(3)Make recommendations to state and local agencies on the most effective and useful technologies and tools for procurement.
(e)The office shall be subject to review by the Wildfire Technology Research and Development Review Advisory Board, which shall serve in an advisory capacity, and shall consist of the following nine members:
(1)The Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency, or their designee.
(2)The Director of the Office of Emergency Services, or their designee.
(3)The Director of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or their designee.
(4)Four members who are appointed by the Governor for a term of four years each, as follows:
(A)One representative from academia involved in the field of wildfire research and technology development.
(B)One representative from the private wildfire response science, engineering, and technology industry.
(C)One representative from local government.
(D)One member of the public employed as a first responder.
(5)One member who is appointed by the Senate for a term of four years who is involved in victim services.
(6)One member who is appointed by the Assembly for a term of four years who is involved in the protection of privacy and civil liberties.
(f)The board shall meet at least four times per year to review, analyze, and assess the activities and progress of the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development, and to consult with public, private, and nonprofit entities regarding their interaction and responsiveness of the office.
(1)The findings and recommendations of the board shall be compiled and delivered to the office of the Governor and the Legislature as a report no later than January 1, 2024, and annually thereafter.
(2)The report developed by the board pursuant to this section shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795.
(g)Members of the board shall serve without compensation, but they may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in connection with their duties.
(h)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2031, and as of that date is repealed.
SEC. 2.SECTION 1.
8654.10.
(a) The operation of this article is contingent upon an appropriation by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act or another statute for purposes of this article.