Governor Signs Sen. Dodd’s Wildfire Safety Bill
SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, today announced Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed his legislation to help California prevent and prepare for wildfires by improving operations of the State Board of Fire Services, the advisory panel to the California State Fire Marshal.
“California faces more destructive and frequent climate-driven wildfires, so it’s essential that we mount a swift and robust response,” Sen. Dodd said. “Now, with the signing of this bill, we can act without delay to address the most pressing needs such the deployment of firefighting resources. I appreciate Gov. Newsom for recognizing the importance of this bill and making it the law.”
Sen. Dodd has long been a leader in wildfire legislation, authoring more than a dozen bills that are now in state statue. This year he continued that advocacy with more proposals, including Senate Bill 1215, which improves the operation of the 18-member State Board of Fire Services. SB 1215 allows ex-officio members of the board responsible for advancing the state’s fire safety efforts to serve as proxies on the board when a regular member is unavailable to attend. This addresses difficulties in securing quorums, protecting against imminent threats to life and property.
SB 1215, sponsored by California Professional Firefighters, was signed by the governor late Monday.
“SB 1215 from Sen. Dodd fixes an unintentional chaptering error impacting the important work of the State Board of Fire Services and its ability to obtain a quorum and advise on critical issues such as regulations, certifications and training standards for California’s fire service,” said Brian K. Rice, president of California Professional Firefighters. “CPF is grateful to Sen. Dodd, the Legislature and the governor for working swiftly to address this error and ensuring that the board can operate smoothly and effectively.”
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Senator Bill Dodd represents Senate District 3, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties. More information on Senator Bill Dodd can be found at www.senate.ca.gov/dodd.