SB 24-009

Senate Bill 24-009, titled "Local Government Disaster-Related Programs," helps local governments manage disaster-related programs by creating a pilot program for removing wildfire hazards like fallen trees and branches without burning them. This is managed by the forest service which will choose participating counties based on specific criteria. Additionally, it requires the state’s homeland security division to provide guidance to local governments on how to handle debris removal after disasters, including negotiating terms with federal agencies, creating standard forms for property access, and ensuring safety during cleanup efforts. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these measures are now in effect to support communities dealing with disaster recovery.

Official Summary

Wildfire Matters Review Committee. The bill assists local governments with disaster-related programs in 2 ways. First, section 1 of the bill establishes by establishing the slash removal pilot program (pilot program) under the wildfire mitigation incentives for local governments grant program, which is administered by the forest service. The pilot program supports county efforts to efficiently and effectively remove slash through methods other than burning . The forest service must establish the policies and procedures by which it will select counties for the pilot program and implement the pilot program. Second, section 2 requires the division of homeland security and emergency management in the department of public safety to provide guidance to local governments on the following issues concerning debris removal: Negotiating debris removal program terms with the federal emergency management agency to provide predictability for homeowners and ensure that there are not duplicate payments for debris removal; Developing standard right of entry forms that include opt-in and opt-out provisions and clear insurance assignment of benefit language; Establishing right-of-way cleanup procedures, including the removal of private vehicles, for public roadways; Considering the removal of hazardous materials and other safety and environmental concerns; and Ensuring that local debris removal programs are limited to residential debris removal and do not include commercial debris removal. (Note: Italicized words indicate new material added to the original summary; dashes through words indicate deletions from the original summary.) (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)

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