Three wildfire-related bills introduced earlier this year by Sen. Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) passed through the California Senate today, moving then one step closer to becoming law.
The bills were aimed at reimbursing San Diego for costs incurred during last year’s wildfires, charging new homebuilders in fire-prone areas for fire protection efforts and requiring the state’s firefighting agency to sign off on new construction in state responsibility areas.
A press release issued by Kehoe’s office quotes the senator:
“This is an encouraging step toward protecting people and property in California’s back country areas that are vulnerable to wildfires,” said Kehoe. “These bills allow local governments and citizens to take precautions to help lessen the severity and damage of future blazes.”
The legislation now needs to pass the Assembly and be approved by the Governor’s Office. Similar legislation introduced in the wake of 2003’s wildfires was instrumental in getting San Diego reimbursements from the state for costs it incurred during the fires.