CA SB926

Establishes the Prescribed Fire Liability Pilot Program, administered by California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire), operating until January 1, 2028, to increase prescribed fire and cultural burning activities and reduce barriers to conducting such burns.

Creates the Prescribed Fire Claims Fund in the State Treasury supported by a $20,000,000 appropriation from the 2021 Budget Act to cover losses from prescribed fires and cultural burns conducted by nonpublic entities including cultural fire practitioners, private landowners, and nonprofit organizations.

Authorizes CalFire to contract with third-party administrators, including the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA), to manage the fund, adjust claims, and pay eligible claims up to a maximum of $2,000,000 per prescribed fire or cultural burn event.

Requires CalFire to establish guidelines in collaboration with state agencies, cultural fire practitioners, and burn bosses, including requirements that burns be conducted by certified burn bosses or cultural fire practitioners, approved by CalFire beforehand, and compliant with all applicable burn plans and permits.

Limits state and CIGA liability for claims to the amount remaining in the fund and exempts the program guidelines from the Administrative Procedure Act.