SB 198

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Existing law requires the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to adopt regulations to establish a fire prevention fee in an amount not to exceed $150 to be charged on each structure on a parcel that is within a state responsibility area, as defined, and requires that the fire prevention fee be adjusted annually using prescribed methods. Existing law requires the State Board of Equalization to collect the fire prevention fees, as prescribed. Existing law establishes the State Responsibility Area Fire Prevention Fund and prohibits the collection of fire prevention fees if there are sufficient amounts of moneys in the fund to finance specified fire prevention activities for a fiscal year. Existing law requires that the fire prevention fees collected, except as provided, be deposited into the fund and be made available to the board and the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for certain fire protection activities that benefit the owners of structures in state responsibility areas who are required to pay the fee. Existing law further requires the board to submit an annual written report to the Legislature on specified topics. This bill would repeal these provisions.