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AB 367

Water: County of Ventura: fire suppression.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Bennett and 3 co-sponsors

AB 367 ensures Ventura County water suppliers have backup energy and water for firefighting, enhancing fire suppression during emergencies in high-risk areas.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 690, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · AB 367

Summary of AB 367: Water: County of Ventura: Fire Suppression

Bill Number: AB 367
Introduced: February 3, 2025
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 690, Statutes of 2025
Vote: Majority
Appropriation: No
Fiscal Committee: Yes
Local Program: Yes

Purpose and Intent

AB 367 aims to enhance fire suppression capabilities in the County of Ventura by ensuring that water suppliers have the necessary infrastructure and resources to provide water for firefighting in high and very high fire hazard severity zones. The bill recognizes the increasing threat of wildfires and the critical need for reliable water supply during emergencies.

Key Provisions

  1. Backup Energy Sources Requirement:

    • Starting July 1, 2030, water suppliers must have access to sufficient backup energy sources to operate critical fire suppression infrastructure for at least 24 hours.
    • Alternatively, they may access backup water from another supplier or agency.

  2. Operational Standards:

    • Backup power must be activated within 30 minutes of a power loss if equipped with an automatic transfer switch; otherwise, it should be turned on as soon as possible.
    • Water suppliers must ensure that alternative water sources can be operational within 30 minutes.

  3. Annual Inspections:

    • Water suppliers are required to conduct annual inspections of critical fire suppression infrastructure and backup energy sources.
    • They must notify the Ventura County Office of Emergency Services within three business days of any significant reduction in water delivery capacity that could impede firefighting efforts.

  4. Reporting Requirements:

    • If a fire renders more than 10 residential dwellings uninhabitable, a report must be prepared by the Ventura County Fire Department in collaboration with the water supplier.

  5. Emergency Preparedness Plans:

    • Water suppliers must develop and annually review an emergency preparedness plan to respond to red flag warnings and other emergencies affecting water service.

  6. Fire Safety Standards:

    • By January 1, 2027, the Ventura County Fire Department is tasked with developing minimum fire safety standards for critical fire suppression infrastructure and backup energy sources.

Impact

  • Affected Entities: The bill primarily impacts water suppliers in Ventura County, the Ventura County Fire Department, and local emergency services.
  • Local Program Creation: By imposing new requirements on local agencies, the bill establishes a state-mandated local program, which may incur costs that the state is obligated to reimburse if determined necessary by the Commission on State Mandates.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill underwent multiple readings and amendments in both the Assembly and Senate before being approved by the Governor on October 13, 2025.
  • Key deadlines include the implementation of backup energy requirements by July 1, 2030, and the identification of critical infrastructure by May 1, 2026.

AB 367 represents a proactive legislative effort to bolster fire suppression capabilities in Ventura County, addressing the urgent need for reliable water supply during wildfire emergencies.

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

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