Senate approves two permanent wildfire funds to aid suppression and post-fire work

The Senate approved House Bill 191 on final passage to create two permanent wildfire-related funds administered through the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department and implemented in coordination with the State Forestry Department.

What the bill does: Senator Campos, carrying the measure, told senators the bill creates a post-wildfire fund and a wildfire suppression fund. The post-wildfire fund is intended to support thinning and preparedness work and will act as a repository for reimbursements, appropriations, gifts and other revenue for preparedness. The wildfire suppression fund will support costs tied to firefighting activity, including vehicle rental, repair and paying contract wildland firefighters.

Funding and rationale: Campos said the bill aligns fund definitions with federal reimbursement practices and provides flexibility to use general fund appropriations and reimbursements, and he noted an initial legislative appropriation of $12 million from the general fund to the post-wildfire fund. The suppression fund may be funded through reimbursements from tribal, local governments and counties as well as appropriations.

Debate: Senators from different regions expressed support. Senator Padilla called the measure "a very smart, thoughtful way" to address long-term wildfire needs; Senator Gonzales and others urged proactive mitigation and preparatory spending. Senator Thornton noted the hope that preparedness would limit the need to tap post-fire funding.

Vote and next steps: Senator Campos moved passage. The clerk announced the result: "By a vote of 26 in the affirmative, 0 on the negative, House Appropriations and Finance Committee substitute for House Bill 191 has passed the Senate." The transcript does not record subsequent House or executive action.

Ending: supporters described the measure as a proactive investment in wildfire preparedness and suppression capacity.