Amended IN Assembly April 09, 2018 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2585Introduced by Assembly Member PattersonFebruary 15, 2018 An act to amend Sections 13008 and 13055 of the Health and Safety Code, and to add Section 4444 to, and to add Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) to Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of of, the Public Resources Code, relating to burning of lands. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2585, as amended, Patterson. Prescribed burns: burn managers: liability.Existing law authorizes a person, firm, or corporation, or a group or combination of persons, firms, corporations, or groups, that owns or controls brush-covered land, forest lands, woodland, grassland, shrubland, or any combination thereof within a state responsibility area, as defined, to apply to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for permission to utilize prescribed burning for specified public purposes.This bill would provide that a property owner and his or her agent conducting a prescribed burn, as defined, shall not be liable for damage or injury caused by fire or smoke, unless negligence is proven, when the prescribed burn meets specified conditions, including that the prescribed burn in conducted under the supervision of a certified prescribed burn manager, as defined, and proper burn permits have been obtained from all appropriate state and local agencies.The bill would require the department, on or before January 1, 2020, to develop a training and certification program for prescribed burn managers. The bill would require the department, on or before July 1, 2020, subject to the receipt of funding, to secure an insurance policy to provide compensation for any injuries or property damage resulting from a prescribed burn operation performed according to the above provisions. The bill would require prescribed burn managers, companies engaging in prescribed burn operations, small landowners, and fire safe councils to be covered under the liability insurance policy.The bill would provide that compliance with specified department burning contracts or with a specified burn permit shall constitute prima facie evidence of due diligence for purposes of determining liability under specified provisions of law and that any person or entity that has been issued the burn permit may use fire to abate a fire hazard. The bill would express intent of the Legislature that, among other things, the department (1) dedicate adequate numbers of staff solely to prescribed burning and vegetation management activities, and (2) make spot weather forecasting available to entities engaged in these burning contracts and to entities that have been issued the burn permit.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Prescribed burning reduces naturally occurring vegetative fuels within wild land areas. Reduction of the fuel load reduces the risk and severity of major catastrophic wildfires, thereby reducing the threat of loss of life and property, particularly in urbanized areas.(b) Many of the states natural communities and ecosystems require periodic fire for maintenance of their ecological integrity. Prescribed burning is essential to the perpetuation, restoration, and management of many plant and animal communities. Significant loss of the states biological diversity will occur if fire is excluded from fire-dependent systems.(c) Prescribed burning on forest land prepares sites for reforestation, removes undesirable competing vegetation, expedites nutrient cycling, and controls or eliminates certain forest pathogens. On range land, prescribed burning improves the quality and quantity of herbaceous vegetation necessary for livestock production.(d) The application of prescribed burning is a land management tool that benefits the safety of the public, the environment, and the economy of California.(e) Proper training in the use of prescribed burning is necessary to ensure maximum benefits and protection for the public.(f) Liability issues and the inability of registered professional foresters to secure adequate liability insurance often preclude the use of prescribed burning as a forest and vegetation management tool. (g) Given the pressing need to increase fire prevention activities and the challenges posed by a year-round fire season, the Legislature intends that the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection dedicate adequate numbers of staff solely to prescribed burning and vegetation management activities, including the permitting, oversight, and implementation thereof.(h) To the extent that resources are available, the Legislature intends for the department to make spot weather forecasting available to those entities engaged in contracts pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, and to those entities that have obtained a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code.(i) The Legislature recognizes that prescribed fire is an important vegetation management tool, but that it is simply one tool to improve forest health and prevent future catastrophic wildfires. The Legislature does not intend for prescribed fire to supplant other vegetation management techniques and recognizes that the best results are often achieved by using both prescribed fire and mechanical thinning in combination with one another.SEC. 2. Section 13008 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:13008. (a) Any person who allows any fire burning upon his or her property to escape to the property of another, whether privately or publicly owned, without exercising due diligence to control such that fire, is liable to the owner of such the property for the damages to the property caused by the fire.(b) Compliance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, including any agreement pursuant to that article, or with the provisions of a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, shall constitute prima facie evidence of due diligence for purposes of determining liability pursuant to subdivision (a).SEC. 3. Section 13055 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:13055. Any public agency authorized to engage in fire protection activities, including including, but not limited to to, a fire protection district, city, city and county, or county fire department, the Department of Forestry, and the United States Forest Service, and a person or entity that has obtained a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, may use fire to abate a fire hazard.SEC. 4. Section 4444 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:4444. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, compliance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, including any agreement pursuant to that article, or with the provisions of a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7, shall constitute prima facie evidence of due diligence for purposes of determining liability pursuant to this article.SEC. 2.SEC. 5. Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) is added to Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, to read: Article 4.5. Prescribed Burning4500. As used in this article, the following terms have the following meanings:(a) Certified prescribed burn manager means an individual who successfully completes the certification program created by the department.(b) Prescribed burn means the controlled application of fire to naturally occurring vegetative fuels under specified environmental conditions and following appropriate precautionary measures, which causes the fire to be confined to a predetermined area and accomplish the planned land management objectives.4501. On or before January 1, 2020, the department shall develop a training and certification program for prescribed burn managers.4502. A property owner and his or her agent conducting a prescribed burn shall not be liable for damage or injury caused by fire or smoke, unless negligence is proven, when the prescribed burn meets the following conditions:(a) The prescribed burn is conducted under the supervision of a certified prescribed burn manager.(b) Proper burn permits have been obtained from all appropriate state and local agencies.(c) The burn is conducted pursuant to the requirements of the burn permit.(d) The burn is conducted in accordance with all existing air pollution statutes, rules, and regulations.4503. (a) On or before July 1, 2020, subject to the receipt of funds for this purpose, the department shall secure an insurance policy to provide compensation for any injuries or property damage resulting from prescribed fire operations performed pursuant to Section 4502.(b) In order to increase the use of prescribed fire, reduce the cost of insurance, and adequately protect lives and property, prescribed burn managers, companies engaging in prescribed burn operations, small landowners, and fire safe councils shall be covered under the liability insurance policy specified in subdivision (a).(b)(c) The department shall submit an estimate of the amount of coverage and anticipated cost of coverage to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee by July 1, 2019, and submit a budget request for that funding with the budget on January 10, 2020.4504. On or before July 1, 2019, the department shall develop a public education program to make citizens and visitors aware of the public safety, resource, and economic benefits of prescribed burning.4505. The board may adopt any regulations necessary to implement this article.
Amended IN Assembly April 09, 2018 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2585Introduced by Assembly Member PattersonFebruary 15, 2018 An act to amend Sections 13008 and 13055 of the Health and Safety Code, and to add Section 4444 to, and to add Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) to Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of of, the Public Resources Code, relating to burning of lands. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2585, as amended, Patterson. Prescribed burns: burn managers: liability.Existing law authorizes a person, firm, or corporation, or a group or combination of persons, firms, corporations, or groups, that owns or controls brush-covered land, forest lands, woodland, grassland, shrubland, or any combination thereof within a state responsibility area, as defined, to apply to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for permission to utilize prescribed burning for specified public purposes.This bill would provide that a property owner and his or her agent conducting a prescribed burn, as defined, shall not be liable for damage or injury caused by fire or smoke, unless negligence is proven, when the prescribed burn meets specified conditions, including that the prescribed burn in conducted under the supervision of a certified prescribed burn manager, as defined, and proper burn permits have been obtained from all appropriate state and local agencies.The bill would require the department, on or before January 1, 2020, to develop a training and certification program for prescribed burn managers. The bill would require the department, on or before July 1, 2020, subject to the receipt of funding, to secure an insurance policy to provide compensation for any injuries or property damage resulting from a prescribed burn operation performed according to the above provisions. The bill would require prescribed burn managers, companies engaging in prescribed burn operations, small landowners, and fire safe councils to be covered under the liability insurance policy.The bill would provide that compliance with specified department burning contracts or with a specified burn permit shall constitute prima facie evidence of due diligence for purposes of determining liability under specified provisions of law and that any person or entity that has been issued the burn permit may use fire to abate a fire hazard. The bill would express intent of the Legislature that, among other things, the department (1) dedicate adequate numbers of staff solely to prescribed burning and vegetation management activities, and (2) make spot weather forecasting available to entities engaged in these burning contracts and to entities that have been issued the burn permit.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
Amended IN Assembly April 09, 2018
Amended IN Assembly April 09, 2018
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20172018 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill No. 2585
Introduced by Assembly Member PattersonFebruary 15, 2018
Introduced by Assembly Member Patterson
February 15, 2018
An act to amend Sections 13008 and 13055 of the Health and Safety Code, and to add Section 4444 to, and to add Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) to Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of of, the Public Resources Code, relating to burning of lands.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 2585, as amended, Patterson. Prescribed burns: burn managers: liability.
Existing law authorizes a person, firm, or corporation, or a group or combination of persons, firms, corporations, or groups, that owns or controls brush-covered land, forest lands, woodland, grassland, shrubland, or any combination thereof within a state responsibility area, as defined, to apply to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for permission to utilize prescribed burning for specified public purposes.This bill would provide that a property owner and his or her agent conducting a prescribed burn, as defined, shall not be liable for damage or injury caused by fire or smoke, unless negligence is proven, when the prescribed burn meets specified conditions, including that the prescribed burn in conducted under the supervision of a certified prescribed burn manager, as defined, and proper burn permits have been obtained from all appropriate state and local agencies.The bill would require the department, on or before January 1, 2020, to develop a training and certification program for prescribed burn managers. The bill would require the department, on or before July 1, 2020, subject to the receipt of funding, to secure an insurance policy to provide compensation for any injuries or property damage resulting from a prescribed burn operation performed according to the above provisions. The bill would require prescribed burn managers, companies engaging in prescribed burn operations, small landowners, and fire safe councils to be covered under the liability insurance policy.The bill would provide that compliance with specified department burning contracts or with a specified burn permit shall constitute prima facie evidence of due diligence for purposes of determining liability under specified provisions of law and that any person or entity that has been issued the burn permit may use fire to abate a fire hazard. The bill would express intent of the Legislature that, among other things, the department (1) dedicate adequate numbers of staff solely to prescribed burning and vegetation management activities, and (2) make spot weather forecasting available to entities engaged in these burning contracts and to entities that have been issued the burn permit.
Existing law authorizes a person, firm, or corporation, or a group or combination of persons, firms, corporations, or groups, that owns or controls brush-covered land, forest lands, woodland, grassland, shrubland, or any combination thereof within a state responsibility area, as defined, to apply to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for permission to utilize prescribed burning for specified public purposes.
This bill would provide that a property owner and his or her agent conducting a prescribed burn, as defined, shall not be liable for damage or injury caused by fire or smoke, unless negligence is proven, when the prescribed burn meets specified conditions, including that the prescribed burn in conducted under the supervision of a certified prescribed burn manager, as defined, and proper burn permits have been obtained from all appropriate state and local agencies.
The bill would require the department, on or before January 1, 2020, to develop a training and certification program for prescribed burn managers. The bill would require the department, on or before July 1, 2020, subject to the receipt of funding, to secure an insurance policy to provide compensation for any injuries or property damage resulting from a prescribed burn operation performed according to the above provisions. The bill would require prescribed burn managers, companies engaging in prescribed burn operations, small landowners, and fire safe councils to be covered under the liability insurance policy.
The bill would provide that compliance with specified department burning contracts or with a specified burn permit shall constitute prima facie evidence of due diligence for purposes of determining liability under specified provisions of law and that any person or entity that has been issued the burn permit may use fire to abate a fire hazard. The bill would express intent of the Legislature that, among other things, the department (1) dedicate adequate numbers of staff solely to prescribed burning and vegetation management activities, and (2) make spot weather forecasting available to entities engaged in these burning contracts and to entities that have been issued the burn permit.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Prescribed burning reduces naturally occurring vegetative fuels within wild land areas. Reduction of the fuel load reduces the risk and severity of major catastrophic wildfires, thereby reducing the threat of loss of life and property, particularly in urbanized areas.(b) Many of the states natural communities and ecosystems require periodic fire for maintenance of their ecological integrity. Prescribed burning is essential to the perpetuation, restoration, and management of many plant and animal communities. Significant loss of the states biological diversity will occur if fire is excluded from fire-dependent systems.(c) Prescribed burning on forest land prepares sites for reforestation, removes undesirable competing vegetation, expedites nutrient cycling, and controls or eliminates certain forest pathogens. On range land, prescribed burning improves the quality and quantity of herbaceous vegetation necessary for livestock production.(d) The application of prescribed burning is a land management tool that benefits the safety of the public, the environment, and the economy of California.(e) Proper training in the use of prescribed burning is necessary to ensure maximum benefits and protection for the public.(f) Liability issues and the inability of registered professional foresters to secure adequate liability insurance often preclude the use of prescribed burning as a forest and vegetation management tool. (g) Given the pressing need to increase fire prevention activities and the challenges posed by a year-round fire season, the Legislature intends that the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection dedicate adequate numbers of staff solely to prescribed burning and vegetation management activities, including the permitting, oversight, and implementation thereof.(h) To the extent that resources are available, the Legislature intends for the department to make spot weather forecasting available to those entities engaged in contracts pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, and to those entities that have obtained a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code.(i) The Legislature recognizes that prescribed fire is an important vegetation management tool, but that it is simply one tool to improve forest health and prevent future catastrophic wildfires. The Legislature does not intend for prescribed fire to supplant other vegetation management techniques and recognizes that the best results are often achieved by using both prescribed fire and mechanical thinning in combination with one another.SEC. 2. Section 13008 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:13008. (a) Any person who allows any fire burning upon his or her property to escape to the property of another, whether privately or publicly owned, without exercising due diligence to control such that fire, is liable to the owner of such the property for the damages to the property caused by the fire.(b) Compliance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, including any agreement pursuant to that article, or with the provisions of a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, shall constitute prima facie evidence of due diligence for purposes of determining liability pursuant to subdivision (a).SEC. 3. Section 13055 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:13055. Any public agency authorized to engage in fire protection activities, including including, but not limited to to, a fire protection district, city, city and county, or county fire department, the Department of Forestry, and the United States Forest Service, and a person or entity that has obtained a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, may use fire to abate a fire hazard.SEC. 4. Section 4444 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:4444. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, compliance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, including any agreement pursuant to that article, or with the provisions of a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7, shall constitute prima facie evidence of due diligence for purposes of determining liability pursuant to this article.SEC. 2.SEC. 5. Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) is added to Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, to read: Article 4.5. Prescribed Burning4500. As used in this article, the following terms have the following meanings:(a) Certified prescribed burn manager means an individual who successfully completes the certification program created by the department.(b) Prescribed burn means the controlled application of fire to naturally occurring vegetative fuels under specified environmental conditions and following appropriate precautionary measures, which causes the fire to be confined to a predetermined area and accomplish the planned land management objectives.4501. On or before January 1, 2020, the department shall develop a training and certification program for prescribed burn managers.4502. A property owner and his or her agent conducting a prescribed burn shall not be liable for damage or injury caused by fire or smoke, unless negligence is proven, when the prescribed burn meets the following conditions:(a) The prescribed burn is conducted under the supervision of a certified prescribed burn manager.(b) Proper burn permits have been obtained from all appropriate state and local agencies.(c) The burn is conducted pursuant to the requirements of the burn permit.(d) The burn is conducted in accordance with all existing air pollution statutes, rules, and regulations.4503. (a) On or before July 1, 2020, subject to the receipt of funds for this purpose, the department shall secure an insurance policy to provide compensation for any injuries or property damage resulting from prescribed fire operations performed pursuant to Section 4502.(b) In order to increase the use of prescribed fire, reduce the cost of insurance, and adequately protect lives and property, prescribed burn managers, companies engaging in prescribed burn operations, small landowners, and fire safe councils shall be covered under the liability insurance policy specified in subdivision (a).(b)(c) The department shall submit an estimate of the amount of coverage and anticipated cost of coverage to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee by July 1, 2019, and submit a budget request for that funding with the budget on January 10, 2020.4504. On or before July 1, 2019, the department shall develop a public education program to make citizens and visitors aware of the public safety, resource, and economic benefits of prescribed burning.4505. The board may adopt any regulations necessary to implement this article.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Prescribed burning reduces naturally occurring vegetative fuels within wild land areas. Reduction of the fuel load reduces the risk and severity of major catastrophic wildfires, thereby reducing the threat of loss of life and property, particularly in urbanized areas.(b) Many of the states natural communities and ecosystems require periodic fire for maintenance of their ecological integrity. Prescribed burning is essential to the perpetuation, restoration, and management of many plant and animal communities. Significant loss of the states biological diversity will occur if fire is excluded from fire-dependent systems.(c) Prescribed burning on forest land prepares sites for reforestation, removes undesirable competing vegetation, expedites nutrient cycling, and controls or eliminates certain forest pathogens. On range land, prescribed burning improves the quality and quantity of herbaceous vegetation necessary for livestock production.(d) The application of prescribed burning is a land management tool that benefits the safety of the public, the environment, and the economy of California.(e) Proper training in the use of prescribed burning is necessary to ensure maximum benefits and protection for the public.(f) Liability issues and the inability of registered professional foresters to secure adequate liability insurance often preclude the use of prescribed burning as a forest and vegetation management tool. (g) Given the pressing need to increase fire prevention activities and the challenges posed by a year-round fire season, the Legislature intends that the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection dedicate adequate numbers of staff solely to prescribed burning and vegetation management activities, including the permitting, oversight, and implementation thereof.(h) To the extent that resources are available, the Legislature intends for the department to make spot weather forecasting available to those entities engaged in contracts pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, and to those entities that have obtained a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code.(i) The Legislature recognizes that prescribed fire is an important vegetation management tool, but that it is simply one tool to improve forest health and prevent future catastrophic wildfires. The Legislature does not intend for prescribed fire to supplant other vegetation management techniques and recognizes that the best results are often achieved by using both prescribed fire and mechanical thinning in combination with one another.
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Prescribed burning reduces naturally occurring vegetative fuels within wild land areas. Reduction of the fuel load reduces the risk and severity of major catastrophic wildfires, thereby reducing the threat of loss of life and property, particularly in urbanized areas.(b) Many of the states natural communities and ecosystems require periodic fire for maintenance of their ecological integrity. Prescribed burning is essential to the perpetuation, restoration, and management of many plant and animal communities. Significant loss of the states biological diversity will occur if fire is excluded from fire-dependent systems.(c) Prescribed burning on forest land prepares sites for reforestation, removes undesirable competing vegetation, expedites nutrient cycling, and controls or eliminates certain forest pathogens. On range land, prescribed burning improves the quality and quantity of herbaceous vegetation necessary for livestock production.(d) The application of prescribed burning is a land management tool that benefits the safety of the public, the environment, and the economy of California.(e) Proper training in the use of prescribed burning is necessary to ensure maximum benefits and protection for the public.(f) Liability issues and the inability of registered professional foresters to secure adequate liability insurance often preclude the use of prescribed burning as a forest and vegetation management tool. (g) Given the pressing need to increase fire prevention activities and the challenges posed by a year-round fire season, the Legislature intends that the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection dedicate adequate numbers of staff solely to prescribed burning and vegetation management activities, including the permitting, oversight, and implementation thereof.(h) To the extent that resources are available, the Legislature intends for the department to make spot weather forecasting available to those entities engaged in contracts pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, and to those entities that have obtained a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code.(i) The Legislature recognizes that prescribed fire is an important vegetation management tool, but that it is simply one tool to improve forest health and prevent future catastrophic wildfires. The Legislature does not intend for prescribed fire to supplant other vegetation management techniques and recognizes that the best results are often achieved by using both prescribed fire and mechanical thinning in combination with one another.
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
### SECTION 1.
(a) Prescribed burning reduces naturally occurring vegetative fuels within wild land areas. Reduction of the fuel load reduces the risk and severity of major catastrophic wildfires, thereby reducing the threat of loss of life and property, particularly in urbanized areas.
(b) Many of the states natural communities and ecosystems require periodic fire for maintenance of their ecological integrity. Prescribed burning is essential to the perpetuation, restoration, and management of many plant and animal communities. Significant loss of the states biological diversity will occur if fire is excluded from fire-dependent systems.
(c) Prescribed burning on forest land prepares sites for reforestation, removes undesirable competing vegetation, expedites nutrient cycling, and controls or eliminates certain forest pathogens. On range land, prescribed burning improves the quality and quantity of herbaceous vegetation necessary for livestock production.
(d) The application of prescribed burning is a land management tool that benefits the safety of the public, the environment, and the economy of California.
(e) Proper training in the use of prescribed burning is necessary to ensure maximum benefits and protection for the public.
(f) Liability issues and the inability of registered professional foresters to secure adequate liability insurance often preclude the use of prescribed burning as a forest and vegetation management tool.
(g) Given the pressing need to increase fire prevention activities and the challenges posed by a year-round fire season, the Legislature intends that the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection dedicate adequate numbers of staff solely to prescribed burning and vegetation management activities, including the permitting, oversight, and implementation thereof.
(h) To the extent that resources are available, the Legislature intends for the department to make spot weather forecasting available to those entities engaged in contracts pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, and to those entities that have obtained a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code.
(i) The Legislature recognizes that prescribed fire is an important vegetation management tool, but that it is simply one tool to improve forest health and prevent future catastrophic wildfires. The Legislature does not intend for prescribed fire to supplant other vegetation management techniques and recognizes that the best results are often achieved by using both prescribed fire and mechanical thinning in combination with one another.
SEC. 2. Section 13008 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:13008. (a) Any person who allows any fire burning upon his or her property to escape to the property of another, whether privately or publicly owned, without exercising due diligence to control such that fire, is liable to the owner of such the property for the damages to the property caused by the fire.(b) Compliance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, including any agreement pursuant to that article, or with the provisions of a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, shall constitute prima facie evidence of due diligence for purposes of determining liability pursuant to subdivision (a).
SEC. 2. Section 13008 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
### SEC. 2.
13008. (a) Any person who allows any fire burning upon his or her property to escape to the property of another, whether privately or publicly owned, without exercising due diligence to control such that fire, is liable to the owner of such the property for the damages to the property caused by the fire.(b) Compliance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, including any agreement pursuant to that article, or with the provisions of a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, shall constitute prima facie evidence of due diligence for purposes of determining liability pursuant to subdivision (a).
13008. (a) Any person who allows any fire burning upon his or her property to escape to the property of another, whether privately or publicly owned, without exercising due diligence to control such that fire, is liable to the owner of such the property for the damages to the property caused by the fire.(b) Compliance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, including any agreement pursuant to that article, or with the provisions of a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, shall constitute prima facie evidence of due diligence for purposes of determining liability pursuant to subdivision (a).
13008. (a) Any person who allows any fire burning upon his or her property to escape to the property of another, whether privately or publicly owned, without exercising due diligence to control such that fire, is liable to the owner of such the property for the damages to the property caused by the fire.(b) Compliance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, including any agreement pursuant to that article, or with the provisions of a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, shall constitute prima facie evidence of due diligence for purposes of determining liability pursuant to subdivision (a).
13008. (a) Any person who allows any fire burning upon his or her property to escape to the property of another, whether privately or publicly owned, without exercising due diligence to control such that fire, is liable to the owner of such the property for the damages to the property caused by the fire.
(b) Compliance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, including any agreement pursuant to that article, or with the provisions of a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, shall constitute prima facie evidence of due diligence for purposes of determining liability pursuant to subdivision (a).
SEC. 3. Section 13055 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:13055. Any public agency authorized to engage in fire protection activities, including including, but not limited to to, a fire protection district, city, city and county, or county fire department, the Department of Forestry, and the United States Forest Service, and a person or entity that has obtained a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, may use fire to abate a fire hazard.
SEC. 3. Section 13055 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
### SEC. 3.
13055. Any public agency authorized to engage in fire protection activities, including including, but not limited to to, a fire protection district, city, city and county, or county fire department, the Department of Forestry, and the United States Forest Service, and a person or entity that has obtained a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, may use fire to abate a fire hazard.
13055. Any public agency authorized to engage in fire protection activities, including including, but not limited to to, a fire protection district, city, city and county, or county fire department, the Department of Forestry, and the United States Forest Service, and a person or entity that has obtained a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, may use fire to abate a fire hazard.
13055. Any public agency authorized to engage in fire protection activities, including including, but not limited to to, a fire protection district, city, city and county, or county fire department, the Department of Forestry, and the United States Forest Service, and a person or entity that has obtained a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, may use fire to abate a fire hazard.
13055. Any public agency authorized to engage in fire protection activities, including including, but not limited to to, a fire protection district, city, city and county, or county fire department, the Department of Forestry, and the United States Forest Service, and a person or entity that has obtained a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, may use fire to abate a fire hazard.
SEC. 4. Section 4444 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:4444. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, compliance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, including any agreement pursuant to that article, or with the provisions of a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7, shall constitute prima facie evidence of due diligence for purposes of determining liability pursuant to this article.
SEC. 4. Section 4444 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:
### SEC. 4.
4444. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, compliance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, including any agreement pursuant to that article, or with the provisions of a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7, shall constitute prima facie evidence of due diligence for purposes of determining liability pursuant to this article.
4444. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, compliance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, including any agreement pursuant to that article, or with the provisions of a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7, shall constitute prima facie evidence of due diligence for purposes of determining liability pursuant to this article.
4444. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, compliance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, including any agreement pursuant to that article, or with the provisions of a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7, shall constitute prima facie evidence of due diligence for purposes of determining liability pursuant to this article.
4444. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, compliance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 4475) of, including any agreement pursuant to that article, or with the provisions of a burn permit issued pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 4491) of, Chapter 7, shall constitute prima facie evidence of due diligence for purposes of determining liability pursuant to this article.
SEC. 2.SEC. 5. Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) is added to Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, to read: Article 4.5. Prescribed Burning4500. As used in this article, the following terms have the following meanings:(a) Certified prescribed burn manager means an individual who successfully completes the certification program created by the department.(b) Prescribed burn means the controlled application of fire to naturally occurring vegetative fuels under specified environmental conditions and following appropriate precautionary measures, which causes the fire to be confined to a predetermined area and accomplish the planned land management objectives.4501. On or before January 1, 2020, the department shall develop a training and certification program for prescribed burn managers.4502. A property owner and his or her agent conducting a prescribed burn shall not be liable for damage or injury caused by fire or smoke, unless negligence is proven, when the prescribed burn meets the following conditions:(a) The prescribed burn is conducted under the supervision of a certified prescribed burn manager.(b) Proper burn permits have been obtained from all appropriate state and local agencies.(c) The burn is conducted pursuant to the requirements of the burn permit.(d) The burn is conducted in accordance with all existing air pollution statutes, rules, and regulations.4503. (a) On or before July 1, 2020, subject to the receipt of funds for this purpose, the department shall secure an insurance policy to provide compensation for any injuries or property damage resulting from prescribed fire operations performed pursuant to Section 4502.(b) In order to increase the use of prescribed fire, reduce the cost of insurance, and adequately protect lives and property, prescribed burn managers, companies engaging in prescribed burn operations, small landowners, and fire safe councils shall be covered under the liability insurance policy specified in subdivision (a).(b)(c) The department shall submit an estimate of the amount of coverage and anticipated cost of coverage to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee by July 1, 2019, and submit a budget request for that funding with the budget on January 10, 2020.4504. On or before July 1, 2019, the department shall develop a public education program to make citizens and visitors aware of the public safety, resource, and economic benefits of prescribed burning.4505. The board may adopt any regulations necessary to implement this article.
SEC. 2.SEC. 5. Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) is added to Chapter 7 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, to read:
### SEC. 2.SEC. 5.
Article 4.5. Prescribed Burning4500. As used in this article, the following terms have the following meanings:(a) Certified prescribed burn manager means an individual who successfully completes the certification program created by the department.(b) Prescribed burn means the controlled application of fire to naturally occurring vegetative fuels under specified environmental conditions and following appropriate precautionary measures, which causes the fire to be confined to a predetermined area and accomplish the planned land management objectives.4501. On or before January 1, 2020, the department shall develop a training and certification program for prescribed burn managers.4502. A property owner and his or her agent conducting a prescribed burn shall not be liable for damage or injury caused by fire or smoke, unless negligence is proven, when the prescribed burn meets the following conditions:(a) The prescribed burn is conducted under the supervision of a certified prescribed burn manager.(b) Proper burn permits have been obtained from all appropriate state and local agencies.(c) The burn is conducted pursuant to the requirements of the burn permit.(d) The burn is conducted in accordance with all existing air pollution statutes, rules, and regulations.4503. (a) On or before July 1, 2020, subject to the receipt of funds for this purpose, the department shall secure an insurance policy to provide compensation for any injuries or property damage resulting from prescribed fire operations performed pursuant to Section 4502.(b) In order to increase the use of prescribed fire, reduce the cost of insurance, and adequately protect lives and property, prescribed burn managers, companies engaging in prescribed burn operations, small landowners, and fire safe councils shall be covered under the liability insurance policy specified in subdivision (a).(b)(c) The department shall submit an estimate of the amount of coverage and anticipated cost of coverage to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee by July 1, 2019, and submit a budget request for that funding with the budget on January 10, 2020.4504. On or before July 1, 2019, the department shall develop a public education program to make citizens and visitors aware of the public safety, resource, and economic benefits of prescribed burning.4505. The board may adopt any regulations necessary to implement this article.
Article 4.5. Prescribed Burning4500. As used in this article, the following terms have the following meanings:(a) Certified prescribed burn manager means an individual who successfully completes the certification program created by the department.(b) Prescribed burn means the controlled application of fire to naturally occurring vegetative fuels under specified environmental conditions and following appropriate precautionary measures, which causes the fire to be confined to a predetermined area and accomplish the planned land management objectives.4501. On or before January 1, 2020, the department shall develop a training and certification program for prescribed burn managers.4502. A property owner and his or her agent conducting a prescribed burn shall not be liable for damage or injury caused by fire or smoke, unless negligence is proven, when the prescribed burn meets the following conditions:(a) The prescribed burn is conducted under the supervision of a certified prescribed burn manager.(b) Proper burn permits have been obtained from all appropriate state and local agencies.(c) The burn is conducted pursuant to the requirements of the burn permit.(d) The burn is conducted in accordance with all existing air pollution statutes, rules, and regulations.4503. (a) On or before July 1, 2020, subject to the receipt of funds for this purpose, the department shall secure an insurance policy to provide compensation for any injuries or property damage resulting from prescribed fire operations performed pursuant to Section 4502.(b) In order to increase the use of prescribed fire, reduce the cost of insurance, and adequately protect lives and property, prescribed burn managers, companies engaging in prescribed burn operations, small landowners, and fire safe councils shall be covered under the liability insurance policy specified in subdivision (a).(b)(c) The department shall submit an estimate of the amount of coverage and anticipated cost of coverage to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee by July 1, 2019, and submit a budget request for that funding with the budget on January 10, 2020.4504. On or before July 1, 2019, the department shall develop a public education program to make citizens and visitors aware of the public safety, resource, and economic benefits of prescribed burning.4505. The board may adopt any regulations necessary to implement this article.
Article 4.5. Prescribed Burning
Article 4.5. Prescribed Burning
4500. As used in this article, the following terms have the following meanings:(a) Certified prescribed burn manager means an individual who successfully completes the certification program created by the department.(b) Prescribed burn means the controlled application of fire to naturally occurring vegetative fuels under specified environmental conditions and following appropriate precautionary measures, which causes the fire to be confined to a predetermined area and accomplish the planned land management objectives.
4500. As used in this article, the following terms have the following meanings:
(a) Certified prescribed burn manager means an individual who successfully completes the certification program created by the department.
(b) Prescribed burn means the controlled application of fire to naturally occurring vegetative fuels under specified environmental conditions and following appropriate precautionary measures, which causes the fire to be confined to a predetermined area and accomplish the planned land management objectives.
4501. On or before January 1, 2020, the department shall develop a training and certification program for prescribed burn managers.
4501. On or before January 1, 2020, the department shall develop a training and certification program for prescribed burn managers.
4502. A property owner and his or her agent conducting a prescribed burn shall not be liable for damage or injury caused by fire or smoke, unless negligence is proven, when the prescribed burn meets the following conditions:(a) The prescribed burn is conducted under the supervision of a certified prescribed burn manager.(b) Proper burn permits have been obtained from all appropriate state and local agencies.(c) The burn is conducted pursuant to the requirements of the burn permit.(d) The burn is conducted in accordance with all existing air pollution statutes, rules, and regulations.
4502. A property owner and his or her agent conducting a prescribed burn shall not be liable for damage or injury caused by fire or smoke, unless negligence is proven, when the prescribed burn meets the following conditions:
(a) The prescribed burn is conducted under the supervision of a certified prescribed burn manager.
(b) Proper burn permits have been obtained from all appropriate state and local agencies.
(c) The burn is conducted pursuant to the requirements of the burn permit.
(d) The burn is conducted in accordance with all existing air pollution statutes, rules, and regulations.
4503. (a) On or before July 1, 2020, subject to the receipt of funds for this purpose, the department shall secure an insurance policy to provide compensation for any injuries or property damage resulting from prescribed fire operations performed pursuant to Section 4502.(b) In order to increase the use of prescribed fire, reduce the cost of insurance, and adequately protect lives and property, prescribed burn managers, companies engaging in prescribed burn operations, small landowners, and fire safe councils shall be covered under the liability insurance policy specified in subdivision (a).(b)(c) The department shall submit an estimate of the amount of coverage and anticipated cost of coverage to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee by July 1, 2019, and submit a budget request for that funding with the budget on January 10, 2020.
4503. (a) On or before July 1, 2020, subject to the receipt of funds for this purpose, the department shall secure an insurance policy to provide compensation for any injuries or property damage resulting from prescribed fire operations performed pursuant to Section 4502.
(b) In order to increase the use of prescribed fire, reduce the cost of insurance, and adequately protect lives and property, prescribed burn managers, companies engaging in prescribed burn operations, small landowners, and fire safe councils shall be covered under the liability insurance policy specified in subdivision (a).
(b)
(c) The department shall submit an estimate of the amount of coverage and anticipated cost of coverage to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee by July 1, 2019, and submit a budget request for that funding with the budget on January 10, 2020.
4504. On or before July 1, 2019, the department shall develop a public education program to make citizens and visitors aware of the public safety, resource, and economic benefits of prescribed burning.
4504. On or before July 1, 2019, the department shall develop a public education program to make citizens and visitors aware of the public safety, resource, and economic benefits of prescribed burning.
4505. The board may adopt any regulations necessary to implement this article.
4505. The board may adopt any regulations necessary to implement this article.