The proposed bill would establish the Wildfire Prevention Authority within the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, introducing new provisions that allow the Authority to identify high-risk areas, prioritize funding for local governments adopting fire-resistant building codes, and make grants for wildfire prevention efforts. It would also create the Authority Fund, consisting of public and private funds to support the Authority's operations and grant-making activities. The bill outlines the Authority's composition, including appointed members and staggered terms, and mandates audits to ensure funds are used specifically for wildfire prevention, while allowing for nonmonetary contributions. Additionally, the bill removes a previous requirement for a $20 million annual contribution from fire insurers and updates the funding mechanism by establishing a dedicated fund sourced from premium tax collected from fire insurers. It clarifies that these funds are to be used exclusively for the Authority's operations and grant awards, ensuring they supplement existing wildfire prevention resources. Overall, the bill aims to enhance wildfire risk management and prevention efforts in Arizona through a more structured and funded approach.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 20-123
House Engrossed Version: 37-1311, 20-224, 20-224.02, 20-225, 20-227, 35-190, 35-313, 20-206, 9-951, 35-146, 35-147, 20-837, 20-1010, 20-1060, 9-952, 9-972, 2025-2026, 20-1566, 20-224.01, 20-1097.07, 20-224.03, 20-224.04, 20-224.06, 20-224.07, 20-224.05, 20-416