The proposed bill would create the Wildfire Prevention Authority and the Wildfire Prevention Authority Fund under the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM). This new authority would be responsible for reviewing fire risk data, identifying high-risk areas, and providing grants for wildfire risk mitigation. Key updates to current statutes include the $20,000,000 annually from insurance premium taxes being allocated to the new fund, which will be used exclusively for administrative expenses and grant awards related to wildfire prevention. The bill also outlines the Authority's structure, responsibilities, and operational guidelines, ensuring ongoing financial support for wildfire prevention efforts. In addition to establishing the new authority, the bill modifies existing language regarding tax penalties and reporting requirements for insurers. It clarifies that insurers are not liable for regulatory actions if they calculate fire insurance premium taxes in good faith based on state fire marshal certifications. The bill also updates penalties for late tax payments and allows for electronic submission of reports and payments. These changes aim to enhance wildfire management and ensure effective utilization of tax revenues for prevention and mitigation efforts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 20-224, 20-224.02, 20-225, 20-227, 37-1312, 20-206, 9-951, 35-146, 35-147, 20-837, 20-1010, 20-1060, 9-952, 9-972, 2026-2027, 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