California Senate Bill SB662

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/25
• Refer: 3/5/25
• Report Pass: 4/8/25
• Refer: 4/8/25

Caption

Wildfires: defensible space: education efforts.

Impact

The proposed legislation will deepen the role of trained volunteers in assisting homeowners and fire agencies to achieve and maintain defensible space compliance. It is expected to result in a significant public benefit by decreasing the risk of wildfire spread while concurrently reducing inspection workloads for fire agencies. The bill encourages a collaborative, community-oriented approach to wildfire preparedness that leverages the services of various qualified entities such as local conservation corps and universities.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 662, introduced by Senator Alvarado-Gil, seeks to amend Sections 4291.5 and 4291.6 of the Public Resources Code to enhance wildfire safety measures in California. This bill extends existing programs aimed at increasing public awareness and compliance regarding defensible space requirements, which are crucial in reducing the risk of wildfire. Originally set to end on January 1, 2026, these programs have been extended to January 1, 2031, in an effort to provide continued support and training for communities and volunteers.

Contention

There are notable sentiments surrounding the implementation of such a bill. Supporters argue that establishing a common reporting platform and dedicated training for volunteers empowers local communities and reduces state enforcement burdens. However, concerns may arise regarding the potential for inconsistencies in volunteer assessments and the quality of education delivered across various regions. This could necessitate ongoing oversight to ensure that the enhancements proposed by SB 662 are effectively implemented and uniformly executed across California.