CA SB1159

Requires the Office of Planning and Research to evaluate, by January 1, 2026, whether roadside wildfire risk reduction projects within 5 road miles of a municipality or census-designated place should be added to CEQA's categorical exemptions list.

Directs the office to consult with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, State Water Resources Control Board, and other relevant agencies in developing eligibility criteria for exempted projects.

Specifies that eligibility criteria must consider distance from roads/driveways, soil disturbance and sedimentation impacts, protection of natural resources and sensitive plant species, wildlife impacts, and conservation easement protections.

Preserves all other applicable statutory and categorical exemptions for roadside wildfire risk reduction projects and requires compliance with the California Endangered Species Act, federal Endangered Species Act, Native Plant Protection Act, and all other applicable state and federal laws.