CA SB1079

Authorizes the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection to provide advance payments to nonprofit organizations, local agencies, special districts, private forest landowners, and Native American tribes from specified forest health and fire prevention grants until January 1, 2024.

Limits individual advance payments to a maximum of 25% of the total grant award.

Requires grantees to expend advance payment funds within six months of receipt (unless waived by the department) and file accountability reports with the department every four months.

Mandates the department submit a report to the Legislature by January 1, 2023, on the outcomes of using advance payments for forest health and fire prevention projects.

Takes effect immediately as an urgency statute to facilitate implementation of forest restoration and wildfire reduction projects.