The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1378, aims to enhance wildfire response and management in the state. It mandates that by February 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection must submit a report assessing statewide wildfire dangers and recommending resource allocations to mitigate these risks. Additionally, the bill requires the Commissioner to provide training for both professional and volunteer firefighters, as well as emergency medical services personnel, on wildfire preparedness and response. Legislative recommendations for further implementation of these training programs are also to be submitted by the same deadline.

The bill includes several amendments to existing statutes regarding the roles and responsibilities of the State Forest Fire Warden. Notably, it allows the warden to prohibit open flames on lands under the commissioner's control if deemed necessary and establishes a framework for compensating volunteer fire companies for their services. Furthermore, it updates the penalties for violations of fire restrictions during periods of declared danger, increasing fines and clarifying the Governor's authority to close woodlands and prohibit open fires. The bill repeals and substitutes several sections of the general statutes to reflect these changes, ensuring a more robust and organized approach to wildfire management in the state.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 23-36, 23-39, 23-50
ENV Joint Favorable Change of Reference: 23-36, 23-39, 23-50