The bill HB2012 aims to continue the Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) for an additional eight years, extending its termination date to July 1, 2032. It requires the State Forester to provide both a presentation and a written report to the relevant legislative committees, the Governor, and the Secretary of State during the first regular session of each Legislature. This report will now include additional information on current wildfire mitigation and suppression activities, as well as the associated budget and expected costs.

Additionally, the bill repeals the existing sunset provision for DFFM, which would have led to its termination on January 1, 2033. The new provisions emphasize the importance of ongoing wildfire management and require more comprehensive reporting to ensure accountability and transparency in the department's operations. The changes are retroactive to July 1, 2024, ensuring that the DFFM's continuation is effective immediately.

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