SB-234 • 2026

Wildfires: workgroup: toxic heavy metals.

Budget

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Niello
Last action: 2025-08-29
Official status: August 29 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest do not specify the exact date for reporting findings beyond 'on or before January 1, 2027' or within three years after the first meeting. The candidate explanation provided a more precise timeframe which is not supported by the official source.

Wildfires: Workgroup on Toxic Heavy Metals

This law requires certain state departments to form a group that studies and advises on how to avoid dangerous metals after wildfires, if the Legislature provides funding.

What This Bill Does

Requires the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Office of Emergency Services, and Department of Toxic Substances Control to form a workgroup related to toxic heavy metals exposure after wildfires upon appropriation by the Legislature.
The workgroup must establish best practices and recommendations for wildfire-impacted communities, first responders, and other personnel engaged in cleanup to avoid exposure to heavy metals.
Allows the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to contract with universities and experts to support the workgroup's efforts.
Requires these departments to report their findings to the Legislature by January 1, 2027.

Who It Names or Affects

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Office of Emergency Services
Department of Toxic Substances Control

Terms To Know

Toxic heavy metals: Dangerous substances like lead, mercury, or arsenic that can harm health if people are exposed to them.

Limits and Unknowns

The workgroup will only start after the Legislature provides funding.
It is not clear how much this project will cost.

Bill History

2025-08-29 California Legislative Information
August 29 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.
2025-07-16 California Legislative Information
July 16 set for first hearing. Placed on APPR. suspense file.
2025-07-02 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (July 1). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2025-06-27 California Legislative Information
From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on E.S & T.M.
2025-06-24 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on E.S & T.M. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (June 23). Re-referred to Com. on E.S & T.M.
2025-06-05 California Legislative Information
Referred to Coms. on NAT. RES. and E.S & T.M.
2025-05-28 California Legislative Information
In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
2025-05-28 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 37. Noes 0. Page 1282.) Ordered to the Assembly.
2025-05-27 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2025-05-23 California Legislative Information
Read second time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
2025-05-23 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 6. Noes 0. Page 1192.) (May 23).
2025-05-16 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing May 23.
2025-05-12 California Legislative Information
May 12 hearing: Placed on APPR. suspense file.
2025-05-02 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing May 12.
2025-05-01 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 8. Noes 0. Page 963.) (April 30). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2025-04-09 California Legislative Information
From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on E.Q.
2025-04-02 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing April 30.
2025-03-25 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on E.Q. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0. Page 532.) (March 25). Re-referred to Com. on E.Q.
2025-03-12 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing March 25.
2025-02-05 California Legislative Information
Referred to Coms. on N.R. & W. and E.Q.
2025-01-29 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be acted upon on or after February 28.
2025-01-28 California Legislative Information
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Official Summary Text

SB 234, as amended, Niello.
Wildfires: workgroup: toxic heavy metals.
Existing law requires the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to do certain things with respect to fire prevention, including organizing fire crews and patrols.
This bill would require, upon appropriation by the Legislature, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Office of Emergency Services, and the Department of Toxic Substances Control, in consultation with specified entities, to form a workgroup related to exposure to toxic heavy metals after a wildfire. The bill would require the workgroup to do certain things, including establishing best practices and recommendations for wildfire-impacted communities, first responders, and other personnel engaged in wildfire response and cleanup to avoid exposure to heavy metals after a wildfire, including outreach. The bill would authorize the Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection to contract with public universities, research institutions, and other technical experts to support the work of the workgroup. The bill would require the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Office of Emergency Services, and the Department of Toxic Substances Control to report their findings to the Legislature
on or before January 1, 2027.
not more than 3 years after the convening of the first meeting of the workgroup.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF