Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: Fire Innovation Unit.

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not specify that it affects fire agencies outside of California.

Fire Innovation Unit in Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

This bill establishes a Fire Innovation Unit within the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to research, test, and deploy technologies that help prevent wildfires.

What This Bill Does

• Establishes a Fire Innovation Unit inside the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
• Requires the unit to consist of three programs: Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development, Innovation, Outreach and Coordination Program, and Rapid Acquisition and Deployment Program.
• Authorizes the unit to establish and administer grant programs for wildfire readiness projects.
• Allows collaboration with educational institutions on wildfire technology research.
• Mandates annual reporting to the Governor and lawmakers about the unit's activities.

Who It Names or Affects

• The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
• Educational institutions involved in wildfire research

Terms To Know

Wildfire Technology

Tools and methods used to prevent or manage wildfires.

Rapid Acquisition and Deployment Program

A program that quickly provides new technologies during emergencies.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill is only effective if the Legislature appropriates funds for it.
• It will expire on January 1, 2033 unless extended.

Official Summary Text

SB 1079, as amended, Stern.
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: Fire Innovation Unit.
Existing law establishes the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and establishes various programs for the prevention and reduction of wildfires.
This
bill
bill, which would be operative until January 1, 2033, and only upon appropriation by the Legislature,
would establish the Fire Innovation Unit within the
department, under the direction of a Deputy Director of Wildfire Innovation,
department
to serve as the department’s innovation arm and the state’s
principal hub for wildfire technology research, coordination, procurement, and
deployment.
deployment for technologies that, among other things, improve ecosystem and landscape scale resilience.
The bill would require the unit to consist of the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development, the Innovation, Outreach and Coordination Program, and the Rapid Acquisition and Deployment Program, as provided. The bill would authorize the unit to establish and administer a grant program to fund early-stage, mature, or dual-use technology projects that enhance wildfire readiness, mitigation, or response. The bill would also authorize the unit to (1) administer or monitor pilot, prototype, or demonstration projects to evaluate, mature, and validate wildfire-related technologies, (2) collaborate with public and private
educational and research institutions on wildfire technology and innovation, (3) establish testbeds to test or evaluate emerging technologies,
and
(4) provide technical assistance to local, state, federal, and international fire agencies to facilitate deployment of wildfire-related
technologies.
technologies, (5) maintain a publicly accessible resource to provide visibility into these wildfire-related technologies, and (6) provide opportunities for participation in demonstrations, pilot programs, and field testing, as provided.
This bill would require the department to submit an annual report to the Governor and the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature summarizing certain
information related to the unit, including, among other things, the technologies and projects evaluated, tested, or deployed.
The bill would require the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection to implement these provisions only upon appropriation. The bill would repeal these provisions on
January 1, 2033.

Current Bill Text

Download Bill PDF