AB 1226: Air quality: wildland vegetation management burning: permits: exemption.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law authorizes the State Air Resources Board to designate public fire protection agencies or other equivalent agencies to issue permits, subject to the rules and regulations of the state board, for agricultural burning, which includes wildland vegetation management burning, as specified.

This bill would revise those provisions to also require the state board to designate those agencies to oversee agricultural burning activities and to adopt rules and regulations to ensure those activities are conducted safely and effectively. The bill would exempt wildland vegetation management burning from the above-described permit requirement if that activity is conducted by, or under the supervision of, the applicable agency designated by the state board. The bill would require the state board to develop guidelines and best practices for wildland vegetation management burning to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

By expanding the duties of local agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 9

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. February 2, 2026From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2. January 31, 2026Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
3. April 21, 2025Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES.
4. April 11, 2025From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on NAT. RES. Read second time and amended.
5. April 10, 2025Assembly Rule 47.1 invoked. (Ellis).
6. March 13, 2025Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.
7. February 24, 2025Read first time.
8. February 22, 2025From printer. May be heard in committee March 24.
9. February 21, 2025Introduced. To print.