8586.8. (a) For purposes of this section, “office” means the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development.
(b) The Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development is hereby established in state government within the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to study, test, and advise regarding procurement of emerging technologies and tools in order to more effectively prevent and suppress wildfires within the state. The office shall serve as the central organizing hub for the state government’s identification of emerging wildfire technologies.
(c) The office shall be under the direct control of the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection.
(d) The office shall undertake, but is not limited to, the following activities:
(1) Develop a balanced, multimodal research and development program designed to identify, research, test, and evaluate emerging technologies and tools designed to improve the state’s preparation for, and response to, wildfires in the state, including, but not limited to, fire retardants and ground, aerial, mobile, portable, communication, predictive modeling, software, or stationary equipment used for California’s wildfire preparedness and by first responders.
(2) Consult with public, private, and nonprofit entities in identifying new technologies tools, software, and other advances in wildfire preparedness and response.
(3) Make recommendations to state and local agencies on the most effective and useful technologies and tools for procurement.
(e) The office shall be subject to review by the Wildfire Technology Research and Development Review Advisory Board, which shall serve in an advisory capacity, and shall consist of the following nine members:
(1) The Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency, or their designee.
(2) The Director of the Office of Emergency Services, or their designee.
(3) The Director of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or their designee.
(4) Four members who are appointed by the Governor for a term of four years each, as follows:
(A) One representative from academia involved in the field of wildfire research and technology development.
(B) One representative from the private wildfire response science, engineering, and technology industry.
(C) One representative from local government.
(D) One member of the public employed as a first responder.
(5) One member who is appointed by the Senate for a term of four years who is involved in victim services.
(6) One member who is appointed by the Assembly for a term of four years who is involved in the protection of privacy and civil liberties.
(f) The board shall meet at least four times per year to review, analyze, and assess the activities and progress of the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development, and to consult with public, private, and nonprofit entities regarding their interaction and responsiveness of the office.
(1) The findings and recommendations of the board shall be compiled and delivered to the office of the Governor and the Legislature as a report no later than January 1, 2024, and annually thereafter.
(2) The report developed by the board pursuant to this section shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795.
(g) Members of the board shall serve without compensation, but they may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in connection with their duties.
(h) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2029, and as of that date is repealed.
(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 239, Sec. 2. (SB 109) Effective January 1, 2022. Repealed as of January 1, 2029, by its own provisions.)