The "Wildfire Prepared Act" aims to enhance forest conservation and wildfire preparedness in New Mexico by establishing a comprehensive framework for assessing and improving the wildfire resilience of structures and properties. The act creates the "wildfire prepared program," which will provide technical assistance, training, and grants to political subdivisions and qualified entities to help eligible property owners make necessary changes to their residences. The act also establishes the "wildfire prepared fund" to support these initiatives, ensuring that at least fifty percent of grant money is directed towards assisting property owners.
Additionally, the act expands the Fire Planning Task Force by adding new members and outlining their duties, which include identifying high-risk areas, developing building codes and standards, and reporting progress to the governor and legislature annually. The act repeals conflicting laws from 2003 and emphasizes that it does not create any new rights of action or enforceable interests in property. The act is declared an emergency measure, necessitating immediate implementation for public safety.