Senate Bill 16-003 Summary

• Adds broadcast burning as an approved hazardous fuel reduction treatment method alongside mechanical, manual, and pile burning fire treatments to reduce wildfire risk.

• Establishes state treasurer transfers of $9.8 million to the wildfire risk reduction fund on July 1, 2013, and $1 million on July 1, 2016, with automatic repeal dates of July 1, 2016 and July 1, 2018 respectively.

• Expands the wildfire matters review committee's authority to include cooperation with federal agencies and local governments, and permits up to two field trips during interim periods.

• Directs the committee to study marketable uses for hazardous forest fuels including biochar, energy, liquid fuel, and wood products, and examine costs, markets, and economic viability of woody material removal by September 1, 2017.

• Changes committee leadership structure so the Senate President appoints the chair in even-numbered years and the House Speaker appoints it in odd-numbered years, alternating vice-chair appointments.