CA AB2444

Adds Section 21080.12 to the Public Resources Code to exempt wildfire defense vegetation management projects from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements.

Defines "wildfire defense vegetation management project" as forest health and fuel reduction work involving thinning of brush, trees 16 inches or less in diameter, or diseased/pest-infested trees using mechanical thinning, burning, chipping, prescribed fire, or grazing.

Exemption applies only to projects within 300 feet of structures (homes, schools, hospitals) or roadways AND located in high or very high fire hazard severity zones designated by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Establishes that no state reimbursement is required because implementation costs fall under the exception for determining applicability of new statutory requirements rather than creating new crimes or penalties.