CA SB74

Removes the January 1, 2029 sunset date for the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development, establishing it as a permanent office within the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Charges the office with developing a research and development program to identify, research, test, and evaluate emerging technologies and tools for wildfire prevention and suppression, including fire retardants, aerial equipment, communication systems, and predictive modeling software.

Establishes a nine-member Wildfire Technology Research and Development Review Advisory Board consisting of representatives from state agencies, academia, private industry, local government, first responders, victim services, and civil liberties protection to oversee and advise the office.

Requires the advisory board to meet at least four times per year and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature assessing the office's activities and responsiveness to public, private, and nonprofit entities.