CA AB275

Requires the Office of Emergency Services, in consultation with CAL FIRE, to establish a working group by December 31, 2026 to evaluate and develop recommendations for a statewide wildfire aerial response program providing year-round, 24/7 rapid aerial suppression capabilities

Working group must consider program elements including firefighting aircraft capable of night operations, reconnaissance aircraft with night vision and infrared technology, mobile retardant bases, and support personnel such as mechanics and relief pilots

Recommendations must address cost-sharing models between state and local agencies, deployment protocols for local fire agencies, resource staging and strategic placement, and whether to implement as a pilot program, full-scale initiative, or not at all

Working group members appointed by the Director of Emergency Services must include representatives from county fire departments, CAL FIRE, and the Office of Emergency Services who are familiar with wildfire aviation response programs

Working group must submit findings and implementation recommendations, including feasibility analysis and cost projections, to the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management and Senate Committee on Governmental Organization by December 31, 2027