Plain English Breakdown
The official text does not specify how or when the Director will announce the peak staffing period dates.
Changing Payment Rules for CalFire Contracts During Peak Fire Staffing
This law changes when state agencies can delay paying businesses that work with the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection by using a new 'peak fire protection staffing period' instead of the old 'annually declared fire season'.
What This Bill Does
- Changes the rule from extending payment dates during an 'annually declared fire season' to doing so during a 'peak fire protection staffing period'.
- Extends the required payment approval date by 30 calendar days if an invoice would face late penalties during this peak time.
- Keeps exceptions for certified small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and nonprofit public benefit corporations so their payments are not delayed.
- Gives the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection the power to decide when the peak fire protection staffing period happens.
Who It Names or Affects
- The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
- Businesses that have contracts with the department
- Certified small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and nonprofit public benefit corporations
Terms To Know
- California Prompt Payment Act
- A law requiring state agencies to pay bills on time or face a penalty.
- Peak fire protection staffing period
- The specific time determined by the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection when extra staff are needed for fire protection.
Limits and Unknowns
- The law does not list exact dates for the peak fire protection staffing period; it is decided by the director.
- This rule only applies to contracts with the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, not other state agencies.