CA SB1088

Establishes the Rural Water Infrastructure for Community Wildfire Protection Program within the Office of Emergency Services to distribute state matching funds for water system improvements in wildfire-prone communities within the Wildland Urban Interface.

Eligible water infrastructure improvements include upgrading waterlines, installing fire hydrants, enhancing water system delivery and distribution capacity for fire suppression, and creating interconnections between water systems.

Targets communities with water systems serving 15,000 or fewer connections in high or very high fire hazard severity zones designated by the State Fire Marshal or local agencies.

Requires the Office of Emergency Services to coordinate with the Department of Water Resources, State Water Resources Control Board, Office of the State Fire Marshal, and other agencies to prioritize funding based on community wildfire protection plans and water system engineering assessments.

Implementation is contingent upon the Legislature appropriating funds through a bond act approved by voters on or after November 5, 2024, including climate or natural resources bonds.