CO SB032

Center of excellence for advanced technology aerial firefighting in the department of public safety shall establish one or more remote camera technology pilot programs by April 1, 2024, to detect wildfires in the wildland-urban interface

Center of excellence must acquire or contract for remote pan-tilt-zoom cameras and associated tools providing live feeds to discover, locate, and confirm ignition; monitor fire behavior; and provide situational awareness for evacuation and fire response

Center of excellence may acquire or contract for artificial intelligence technologies to assist in detection, containment, and monitoring of wildfires as part of the pilot program

Center of excellence shall report annually to the wildfire matters review committee beginning August 1, 2024, analyzing system effectiveness, value in responding to wildfires, potential for widespread use in Colorado, and cost effectiveness

Appropriates $720,368 from the general fund for fiscal year 2023-24, including $138,533 for personal services (1.8 FTE) and $556,085 for operating expenses, with the pilot program authorized to sunset September 1, 2027