S.B. No. 34 aims to enhance wildfire management and support for volunteer fire departments in Texas. The bill mandates a joint study by the Texas A&M Forest Service and West Texas A&M University to assess fuel loading in wildfire risk zones, evaluate the potential impact of wildfires, and recommend legislative changes to improve mitigation efforts. The study will consider various factors, including the risk posed by fuel loading, potential losses from wildfires, and the economic benefits of prescribed burning and fuel loading control. A report summarizing the findings and recommendations is required by December 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill establishes a statewide database of firefighting equipment, which the Texas A&M Forest Service will maintain to provide real-time inventory information for fire departments. This database will include details about available equipment, contact information, and will be accessible for updates by all fire departments. Furthermore, the bill allocates at least 10 percent of appropriations for volunteer fire department assistance to those in high-risk wildfire areas, ensuring targeted support where it is most needed. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 418.004, Insurance Code 2007.002, Government Code 614.102, Natural Resources Code 91.019 (Government Code 418, Government Code 614, Insurance Code 2007, Natural Resources Code 91)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 614.102, Insurance Code 2007.002, Natural Resources Code 91.019 (Government Code 418, Government Code 614, Insurance Code 2007, Natural Resources Code 91)
Engrossed: Government Code 614.102, Insurance Code 2007.002, Natural Resources Code 91.019 (Government Code 418, Government Code 614, Insurance Code 2007, Natural Resources Code 91)
House Committee Report: Government Code 614.102 (Government Code 418, Government Code 614, Insurance Code 2007, Natural Resources Code 91)
Enrolled: Government Code 614.102 (Government Code 418, Government Code 614, Insurance Code 2007, Natural Resources Code 91)