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Senate committee advances bill to reinstate CAL FIRE fee amid sharp debate over equity and administration
Summary
SB 14 04 would restore a fee on property owners in State Responsibility Areas to fund CAL FIRE wildfire prevention and suppression. Supporters argued the fee expands funding options; rural counties, taxpayers groups and some senators raised equity and constitutional concerns. The committee passed the measure to Appropriations with votes recorded.
Sen. Stern presented SB 14 04 to reinstate a State Responsibility Area (SRA) fee on property owners in areas where CAL FIRE has responsibility for fire prevention and suppression, arguing that wildfire risk and suppression spending have increased and that the state needs more stable revenue sources.
Joe Guardias of NRDC supported the bill, citing rising costs for suppression and the need to grow the…
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