State Fire Marshal: home hardening certification program.

Assembly Member Bennett's proposal to establish a home hardening certification program aims to reduce fire risks in California's wildland-urban interface areas through targeted improvements during property renovations. The State Fire Marshal's Wildfire Mitigation Advisory Committee would develop this program by January 2027, identifying specific measures property owners can implement to align existing buildings with current wildland-urban interface building standards.

The legislation expands the Office of the State Fire Marshal's existing wildfire safety programs by adding emergency battery backup requirements for automatic garage door openers to both training materials and the Wildland-Urban Interface Products listing. These additions complement current requirements covering exterior materials, windows, vents, decking, and roofing components.

The bill outlines monthly meetings of the Wildfire Mitigation Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from state agencies, fire services, insurance companies, building industries, and academic institutions. While committee members serve without compensation, they receive reimbursement for expenses incurred in performing their duties. The Office of the State Fire Marshal may access Building Standards Administration Special Revolving Fund resources, pending legislative appropriation, to develop the certification program.