AZ HB2268

Establishes a wildfire prevention authority within the department of forestry and fire management with 10 members including insurance company representatives, county and city officials, fire chiefs, and public members appointed by the governor.

Creates a $20,000,000 annual wildfire prevention authority fund starting in fiscal year 2025-2026, funded from fire insurance premium taxes collected under section 20-224.

Authorizes the authority to review fire risk data, prioritize funding to jurisdictions with building codes reducing wildfire risk, and award grants for vegetation management, defensible space creation, infrastructure improvements, and technical assistance.

Requires the authority to conduct biennial audits by a certified public accountant and file certified copies with the auditor general within five days of completion.

Modifies sections 20-224, 20-224.02, 20-225, and 20-227 to allocate $20,000,000 annually from insurance premium taxes to the wildfire prevention authority fund beginning in fiscal year 2025-2026.