Local Government Disaster-Related Programs

Wildfire Matters Review Committee. The bill assists local governments with disaster-related programs in 2 ways.

First, section 1 of the bill establishes 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. 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: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)