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Committee gives do‑pass to SB33 to develop wildfire‑preparedness standards and grant programs
Summary
Senate Bill 33, which creates a task force to develop wildfire‑preparedness standards consistent with national best practice and establishes grants for political subdivisions and property owners for home hardening and vegetation management, received a do‑pass recommendation after broad public support.
The Appropriations & Finance Committee gave Senate Bill 33 a do‑pass recommendation after testimony from wildfire experts, utilities, county representatives and conservation groups.
SB33 directs the creation of a task force to develop wildfire‑preparedness standards for home hardening and property measures consistent with national guidance such as standards by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. The bill also authorizes two grant types to help political subdivisions and private property owners make structural and vegetation changes to reduce wildfire risk. The substitute adopted in committee includes provisions to prioritize wildfire risk reduction over benefits to private landowners and to create a value stream for tree‑clearing byproducts.
Representative Vincent, a sponsor, highlighted the bill’s focus on standards and grants. State Forester Laura McCarthy was acknowledged on the record and multiple witnesses urged support. Camilla Feibelman of the Sierra Club’s Rio Grande chapter called the bill “incredibly important,” citing climate change and insurance access. Utility representatives including Bernard Treat (SPS/Xcel) and Sherry Kronors (PNM) said the bill aligns with current vegetation‑management and public‑safety power‑shutdown efforts. Lincoln County and representatives from the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) also testified in favor.
The committee moved a do‑pass recommendation; Ranking Member Chatfield moved the motion, Representative Sanchez signed it, and the motion passed with no recorded opposition.
Supporters said SB33 would add expertise to existing task forces, help align vegetation management with utility safety measures, and create a funding pathway for home hardening and community mitigation activities.
