HB1823 Summary

• Requires owners and occupants of properties in hazardous fire areas to maintain 30-foot firebreaks around buildings by removing flammable vegetation, with exceptions for ornamental plants and grass less than 18 inches high used for erosion control

• Mandates removal of tree portions within 10 feet of chimney outlets, deadwood from adjacent trees, and roof debris to reduce fire hazards

• Establishes a Community Fuels Reduction Project under the Department of Land and Natural Resources to reduce wildfire fuels on state lands adjacent to communities through vegetation clearing, managed grazing, and water infrastructure for fire suppression

• Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to submit annual reports on project progress beginning 20 days before the 2025 regular legislative session

• Appropriates unspecified general fund amounts for fiscal year 2024-2025 and establishes the project as a separate budget line item starting fiscal year 2025-2026