The bill proposes amendments to the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning the Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM). It seeks to continue the DFFM for eight years, until July 1, 2032, and includes a repeal of the department on January 1, 2033. Additionally, the bill requires the State Forester to provide both a presentation and a written report to legislative committees with jurisdiction over forestry issues, the Governor, and the Secretary of State during the first regular session of each Legislature. This report must now include information on current and ongoing wildfire mitigation and suppression activities, as well as the associated budget and expected actual costs.

The bill also repeals section 41-3024.21 of the Arizona Revised Statutes and adds section 41-3032.21, which relates to forestry and fire management. The changes are to be effective retroactively from July 1, 2024. The bill removes the previous requirement that only a presentation was necessary, now mandating a written report as well. It also expands the content of the report to include budgetary details related to wildfire activities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-3024.21, 41-3032.21
House Engrossed Version: 37-1302, 41-3024.21, 41-3032.21, 38-611, 95-313
Chaptered Version: 37-1302, 41-3024.21, 41-3032.21, 38-611, 95-313