Committee backs voluntary home-hardening certification program to reduce wildfire losses

AB 1143, authored by Assembly Member Bennett, would direct the State Fire Marshal to convene stakeholders and establish a voluntary home-hardening certification program identifying comprehensive measures, including defensible space, that qualify a home for certification.

Bennett told the committee that home hardening and defensible space are proven to reduce home losses in ember-driven wildfires and argued a trusted statewide certification could reward homeowners by supporting insurance discounts and preserving property value. “The science is clear, home hardening works,” he said, calling for incentives to scale adoption statewide.

Witnesses in support included fire chiefs, professional firefighters and the League of California Cities. No organized opposition appeared at the hearing. Committee members praised the voluntary approach and said incentives will be critical to drive adoption among homeowners; members noted the program is voluntary and that the state should focus on incentives and community-based approaches such as Firewise communities.

The committee voted to advance AB 1143 to the Natural Resources Committee. The measure, as written, would not mandate actions but would produce a framework and certified standard for voluntary home-hardening work.