California Assembly Bill AB19

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/3/18
• Refer: 3/21/19
• Report Pass: 3/21/19
• Refer: 3/25/19
• Report Pass: 1/14/20
• Refer: 1/16/20
• Refer: 1/23/20
• Failed: 2/3/20

Caption

Forestry and fire protection: local assistance grant program: fire prevention activities: street and road vegetation management.

Impact

If passed, AB19 would significantly influence local strategies for wildfire prevention and fire protection in California by allowing local governments to enhance their capabilities for managing roadside vegetation. Given that vehicles are identified as a notable cause of wildfires in areas like San Diego County, the bill’s provisions emphasize proactive management to mitigate the risk of fire ignitions along roadways. The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) will play a crucial role in overseeing the grant distribution and establishing eligibility criteria for local agencies, thereby reinforcing state-level efforts to curb wildfire incidents.

Summary

Assembly Bill 19 (AB19), introduced by Assembly Member Waldron, aims to establish a grant program under the Public Resources Code to provide financial assistance to county road maintenance departments and local fire districts. The primary objective of this bill is to enable these entities to purchase equipment necessary for vegetation management along streets and roads situated in very high fire hazard severity zones. A total appropriation of $25 million from the General Fund is allocated to support this grant program and prioritize critical projects aimed at wildfire prevention through effective vegetation management.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB19 appears generally positive among proponents who emphasize the need for proactive measures against wildfires and the importance of local agencies in ensuring safe road conditions. Supporters argue that equipping local fire districts and road maintenance departments with appropriate tools will allow them to better manage the vegetation that poses a fire threat, ultimately safeguarding communities. However, detailed debates may arise concerning the effective allocation of funds and the accountability measures required to track the outcomes of funded initiatives.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding AB19 could stem from discussions regarding the prioritization of funds for various fire prevention projects. While the bill emphasizes the importance of addressing vegetation management in very high fire hazard severity zones, there may be disagreements regarding how to balance the accessibility of grants across different regions and the urgency of projects based on localized risk assessments. Stakeholders may seek clarity on the criteria used for grant eligibility and how the program's effectiveness will be monitored post-implementation.