CA AB1956

Repeals existing law requiring the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection to establish a working group on fire prevention incentives for landowners.

Establishes a local assistance grant program funded by legislative appropriation for fire prevention activities in fire-threatened communities, prioritizing multiyear projects.

Eligible grant activities include public education programs, defensible space compliance improvements, technical assistance, creation of Firewise USA communities, and public safety projects such as emergency equipment access and evacuation route improvements.

Authorizes the director to provide advance payments up to 25% of total grant awards until January 1, 2024, with funds to be expended within six months and accountability reports required every four months.

Requires the director to hold a public workshop by January 31, 2022, to review program outcomes and identify new financing sources and fire prevention methods, with findings reported to the Legislature by July 1, 2022.