Wildfires: training programs: defensible space: inspections.

Assembly Member Bryan's wildfire protection legislation modifies California's defensible space inspection program by requiring home ignition zone training certification and removing the January 2026 sunset date for existing fire prevention initiatives. The bill mandates that training programs align with the State Fire Marshal's "Home Ignition Zone/Defensible Space Inspector" course plan to standardize qualifications for individuals conducting property assessments.

The legislation maintains the current framework allowing qualified entities - including counties, conservation corps, fire safe councils, and registered professional foresters - to support the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's defensible space evaluations and public education efforts. These entities use a common reporting platform to document assessment data, which the department analyzes to direct inspection resources and track compliance rates across jurisdictions. The department must submit annual reports to the Legislature detailing inspection results, compliance levels, and enforcement actions.

Under the bill's provisions, trained volunteers assist property owners with achieving defensible space requirements through non-regulatory assessments and education. The volunteer program operates using existing Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund allocations, with potential support from the California Fire Science Consortium and Regional Forest and Fire Capacity program. While participating entities conduct assessments and provide guidance, the legislation explicitly preserves enforcement authority with state fire officials.