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SB 514

Relating to: voter preregistration of 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Carpenter and 8 co-sponsors

SB 514 enhances California's wildfire prevention by extending programs, including nonprofits in assessments, ensuring data privacy, and certifying trained contractors.

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Bill Summary · SB 514

Summary of SB 514: Wildfire Prevention and Fire Service Training

Bill Number: SB 514
Introduced: February 19, 2025
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 767, Statutes of 2025.
Subject: Wildfire prevention, qualified entities, assessments, California Fire Service Training and Education Program Act

Purpose and Intent

SB 514 aims to enhance California's wildfire prevention efforts by extending the existing statewide program that allows qualified entities to assist the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) in assessing defensible space and home hardening. The bill seeks to improve wildfire resiliency by expanding the scope of qualified entities and ensuring that data collected during assessments is handled confidentially.

Key Provisions

  1. Indefinite Extension of Programs: The bill indefinitely extends the operational date of the statewide program and the associated training program for qualified entities, which was initially set to expire on January 1, 2026.

  2. Inclusion of Nonprofit Entities: Nonprofit organizations focused on wildfire resiliency are added to the list of qualified entities that can conduct assessments.

  3. Expanded Assessment Authority: Qualified entities are authorized to assess compliance with defensible space requirements not only in state responsibility areas but also in local responsibility areas.

  4. Data Confidentiality:

    • Data collected from property owners for the common reporting platform must be anonymized and kept confidential if requested.
    • The use of this data for compliance or enforcement related to defensible space inspections is prohibited unless specifically requested by the property owner.

  5. Certification of Contractors: The Office of the State Fire Marshal is authorized to certify contractors who complete the training program and conduct activities related to defensible space, home hardening, and other wildfire resiliency efforts.

  6. Wildland-Urban Interface Training: The Office of the State Fire Marshal will continue to develop and update training materials for local building officials, builders, and fire service personnel regarding fire safety building standards.

  7. Legislative Findings: The bill includes findings that justify the limitations on public access to certain data, in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Impact

  • Qualified Entities: The expansion of qualified entities to include nonprofits will likely increase community involvement in wildfire prevention efforts.
  • Property Owners: Homeowners will benefit from enhanced assessments and education on defensible space, while also having their data protected.
  • Contractors: The ability to certify contractors will ensure that those involved in wildfire resiliency efforts are properly trained and qualified.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill passed through various committees and legislative readings before being approved by the Governor on October 13, 2025, and subsequently chaptered into law.

This legislation represents a significant step in California's ongoing efforts to mitigate the risks associated with wildfires, emphasizing community engagement and data privacy.

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

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