CA AB1255

Natural Resources Agency must develop guidance document by July 1, 2023, describing regional goals, approaches, and best practices for habitat-specific fire risk reduction in collaboration with multiple state agencies.

Guidance document must be developed through public process including region-specific workshops and posted on the Natural Resources Agency website, with funding for pre-July 1, 2022 programs not delayed or contingent on its completion.

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection must consider county input regarding priority fire prevention activities when awarding local assistance grants, with special attention to contract counties' assumed fire prevention responsibilities.

Department shall implement guidance document through establishing interagency agreements to coordinate fire risk reduction activities and projects across regions of the state.

Director may authorize advance grant payments up to 25 percent of total award indefinitely, with grantees required to expend funds within six months and file accountability reports every four months.