 |
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
department of forestry; continuation
Purpose
Continues the Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) for eight years. Requires the State Forester to provide a written report, in addition to a presentation, to the Legislature as outlined.
Background
DFFM provides for land management and the prevention and suppression of wildland fires on state land and on private property located outside of cities and towns. The State Forester is appointed by the Governor and must direct, operate and control DFFM (A.R.S. § 37-1301). DFFM's mission is to foster, maintain and enhance collaboration with partners, stakeholders and cooperators to: 1) proactively promote the health and safety of Arizona's forests, woodlands, deserts and watersheds; 2) encourage fire-adapted communities; 3) provide leadership and oversight of resources in wildfire response; and 4) ensure fire safety in public buildings through the enforcement of the Arizona fire code (DFFM).
During the first regular session of each Legislature, the State Forester must present information to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over forestry issues. The State Forester must collaborate with, and invite the participation of, relevant state, federal and local governmental officers and agencies. The presentation must include information concerning: 1) forestry management including climatic conditions, wildfire hazards, pest infestations, overgrowth and the effects of current federal policy on forest management; 2) the wildland-urban interface, including the effects of zoning policies and wildfire hazards on public and private property; and 3) wildfire emergency management and all hazard response issues (A.R.S. § 37-1302).
The Senate Natural Resources, Energy and Water and the House of Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee of Reference (COR) held a public meeting on Thursday, January 11, 2024, to review and consider DFFM's responses to the sunset factors. The COR recommended that the Legislature continue DFFM for eight years. DFFM terminates on July 1, 2024, unless continued by the Legislature (A.R.S. § 41-3024.21).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Continues, retroactive to July 2, 2024, DFFM until July 1, 2032.
2. Repeals DFFM on January 1, 2033.
3. Requires the State Forester to provide a presentation and a written report, rather than only the presentation, to each of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over forestry issues, the Governor and the Secretary of State during the first regular session of each Legislature.
4. Adds to the information included in the presentation and written report:
a) current and ongoing wildfire mitigation and suppression activities; and
b) the associated budget allocated for wildfire mitigation and suppression and the expected actual costs.
5. Contains a statement of legislative intent.
6. Becomes effective on the general effective date, with a retroactive provision as noted.
House Action
LARA 2/12/24 DPA 9-0-0-0
3rd Read 2/22/24 47-11-1-0-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 5, 2024
RA/KP/slp