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AB 300

Fire hazard severity zones: State Fire Marshal.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Lackey

AB 300 authorizes California's State Fire Marshal to establish and update fire hazard severity zones, affecting insurance, building codes, and development in wildfire-prone areas.

In committee: Held under submission.
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Bill Summary · AB 300

Legislative bill overview

AB 300 would authorize the State Fire Marshal to establish and update fire hazard severity zones (FHSZ) in California, defining areas at high risk for destructive wildfires. The bill clarifies the State Fire Marshal's authority to map these zones and potentially adjust their boundaries based on evolving fire conditions and data.

Why is this important

Fire hazard severity zones directly influence insurance availability, property values, building code requirements, and land use decisions across California. Accurate FHSZ mapping affects millions of residents and determines which areas face stricter fire-resistant construction standards and which may struggle to obtain affordable fire insurance.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance industry impact: Expanding or remapping FHSZ could trigger insurance company withdrawals or premium increases in newly designated high-risk areas, affecting homeowner costs and market access
  • Local control vs. state authority: Clarifying state authority over zone designation may conflict with local governments' land use planning and development decisions
  • Frequency of updates: How often zones can be redrawn could create uncertainty for property owners, developers, and insurers who need stable long-term planning parameters

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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