WILDFIRE-RELATED BILLS

Posted on 07/08/2026

AB 1960: Incentivizing Fire-Adapted Communities

Assembly Bill 1960 aims to encourage communities to actively reduce wildfire risks. It thoughtfully allows CAL FIRE to allocate part of the upcoming Wildfire Prevention Grant to 'identified cohesive fire communities”—neighborhoods showing strong involvement in home hardening, wildfire education, and mitigation efforts. This initiative is designed to strengthen community resilience and promote collective safety. ( LegiScan⁠ )

One of the bill’s most innovative concepts is encouraging community-scale action rather than focusing solely on individual properties. Communities that achieve high levels of participation in approved home-hardening programs could become more competitive for future wildfire-prevention funding. ( Bennett’s Office⁠ )

AB 1960 has successfully passed the Assembly and is now moving through the Senate committee process. ( LegiList⁠ )

SB 973: Strengthening County-Level Wildfire Coordination

Senate Bill 973 aims to officially establish California’s Wildfire County Coordinator Program within state law. Even though many counties already have dedicated coordinators, this legislation would help create a more enduring framework to enhance local wildfire mitigation, preparedness, evacuation planning, and recovery efforts. This step will strengthen the community’s resilience and ensure better coordination in managing wildfires. ( Digital Democracy | CalMatters⁠ )

The bill would continue the partnership between CAL FIRE and the California Fire Safe Council to help counties develop wildfire resilience plans, improve interagency coordination, support community engagement, and identify funding opportunities for local projects. ( Digital Democracy | CalMatters⁠ )

For communities throughout Los Angeles County and Southern California, county coordinators play an increasingly important role in bringing together local governments, Fire Safe Councils, public safety agencies, and community organizations to advance wildfire resilience initiatives. The Safe Community Project is the "county coordinator" for both Los Angeles ( mysafela.org ) and Riverside (mysaferiverside.org ) counties.

SB 973 has advanced through the Senate and is continuing its legislative journey as lawmakers refine the bill’s language and implementation requirements. ( LegiScan⁠ )

From MySafeLA. website: https://mysafela.org/