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 economic benefits of prescribed burning and fuel loading control, and is required to report its findings 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 information on available resources for wildfire response. It also allocates at least 10% of appropriations for volunteer fire department assistance to those in high-risk areas for large wildfires. The bill 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 (Insurance Code 2007, Government Code 614, Natural Resources Code 91, Government Code 418)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 614.102, Insurance Code 2007.002, Natural Resources Code 91.019 (Insurance Code 2007, Government Code 614, Natural Resources Code 91, Government Code 418)
Engrossed: Government Code 614.102, Insurance Code 2007.002, Natural Resources Code 91.019 (Insurance Code 2007, Government Code 614, Natural Resources Code 91, Government Code 418)
House Committee Report: Government Code 614.102 (Insurance Code 2007, Government Code 614, Natural Resources Code 91, Government Code 418)
Enrolled: Government Code 614.102 (Insurance Code 2007, Government Code 614, Natural Resources Code 91, Government Code 418)