Sacramento Standard

Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick of Alturas has put forward a legislative package designed to improve California’s approach to wildfires. In light of the increasing severity of annual wildfires, her proposals aim to improve disaster relief operations, emphasize fire prevention, and ensure effective allocation of taxpayer resources for wildfire management and recovery. The legislation seeks to support and protect victims, bolster essential fuel reduction efforts, and maintain accountability in wildfire funding as part of addressing the state's wildfire challenges.

The proposed bills include AB 297, which aims to increase penalties for arson, with Assemblymember Sanchez as a joint author. AB 429 proposes to exempt wildfire compensation from income taxes and ensure full payments to victims of the 2021 Dixie Fire, 2022 Mill Fire, and 2024 Park Fire, with collaboration from Assemblymember Lackey and Senator Dahle.

AB 438 would authorize local Office of Emergency Services (OES) vehicles to operate as emergency vehicles with Code 3 status to accelerate evacuation orders and provide timely aid. AB 441 seeks to prevent the dissolution of the California Wildfire Mitigation Program, ensuring continued fortification of homes by working families against fires.

AB 442 intends to introduce a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption for wildfire projects in communities with only one access and exit route, with Assemblymember Tangipa co-authoring.

“With California facing an unprecedented wildfire season, we must do more to protect our communities, the people who live in them, and our natural resources,” stated Assemblywoman Hadwick. “These bills represent a proactive approach to wildfire prevention, recovery, and accountability. We must protect our fire-threatened communities.”

The proposed legislation is set to be reviewed in the state Assembly soon. Progress updates on these bills are available.

Assemblywoman Hadwick serves the 1st Assembly District, covering parts of El Dorado and Placer counties, and all of Alpine, Amador, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, and Siskiyou counties.