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Committee advances bill to boost wildfire preparedness planning for water systems
Summary
The Assembly committee moved SB 1153 to Appropriations after sponsor testimony and local water official support. The bill would require urban retail water suppliers to add wildfire-specific response procedures to emergency plans and aims to clarify coordination with fire and emergency agencies.
SB 1153, introduced to the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee, was moved to the Appropriations Committee after sponsor testimony and local officials urged the committee to advance the measure.
The author described SB 1153 as "a practical and responsible approach to wildfire preparedness in California," saying the bill will "improve local emergency planning, clarify the role and capabilities of water systems during wildfire events, protect rate payers, and support future investment in infrastructure." Kylie Wright of the Association of California Water Agencies, the bill sponsor, told the committee the measure would require urban retail water suppliers to incorporate wildfire-specific response procedures into their existing emergency plans beginning Jan. 1, 2028.
Matt Sampson, identified as a member of the Marin Municipal Water District board and fire chief for South San Francisco, testified the bill strikes an appropriate balance between preparing systems for wildfire impacts and recognizing operational and financial limitations. "These plans applied at a statewide level can be challenging to implement if too prescriptive," Sampson said, adding the bill lets districts "identify which actions are most critical for operational continuity decisions which should remain with those who know and understand their systems the best."
Committee members thanked the author and supporters and raised questions about liability language and transparency. One member said the provision limiting identification of certain infrastructure raised transparency concerns; the author responded that the bill intends to coordinate with fire departments and the Office of Emergency Services and to allow agencies to tailor steps based on local configurations while protecting sensitive infrastructure from misuse.
After discussion the committee took a motion and the clerk called the roll; the chair announced the motion to pass SB 1153 to Appropriations and left the roll open for absent members. The committee record indicates the measure was advanced for further review.
Next steps: SB 1153 was passed to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for fiscal and policy review before floor consideration.
