CA SB412

Expands the definition of "emergency" under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to include projects jointly identified by a state or local agency and either the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection or the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection that mitigate high threats to life and safety from catastrophic fires.

Requires notice to the Department of Fish and Wildlife when such projects are jointly identified and allows lead agencies to determine areas at heightened risk of catastrophic fire based on substantial evidence.

Allows projects meeting the expanded "emergency" definition to qualify for CEQA exemptions that would otherwise require environmental impact reports or negative declarations.

Specifies that the expanded "emergency" definition includes but is not limited to man-made or natural occurrences such as fire, flood, earthquake, soil or geologic movements, riot, accident, or sabotage.

Provides that no state reimbursement is required because local agencies and school districts have authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments to pay for mandated programs under this act.