BILL NUMBER: SB 1526	CHAPTERED  09/23/04

	CHAPTER  723
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE  SEPTEMBER 23, 2004
	APPROVED BY GOVERNOR  SEPTEMBER 23, 2004
	PASSED THE SENATE  AUGUST 17, 2004
	PASSED THE ASSEMBLY  AUGUST 16, 2004
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  AUGUST 12, 2004
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  JUNE 14, 2004
	AMENDED IN SENATE  APRIL 27, 2004
	AMENDED IN SENATE  APRIL 14, 2004

INTRODUCED BY   Senator Hollingsworth
   (Coauthor:  Assembly Member Jackson)

                        FEBRUARY 19, 2004

   An act to add Section 715 to the Public Resources Code, relating
to forest resources.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 1526, Hollingsworth.  Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection:  pilots:  certification.
   Existing law establishes the Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection within the Resources Agency and makes the department
responsible for the fire protection, fire prevention, maintenance,
and enhancement of the state's forest, range, and brushland
resources, contract fire protection, associated emergency services,
and assistance in civil disasters and other nonfire emergencies.
   This bill would require the department, in cooperation with the
Office of Emergency Services, to develop a program to certify active
duty military pilots to engage in firefighting in the state.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:


  SECTION 1.  The Legislature finds and declares all of the
following:
   (a) Active military personnel and equipment are located in areas
that can provide immediate fire response to assist local efforts
during equipment shortages or widespread disasters.
   (b) The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection provides
valuable assistance in coordinating emergency air response efforts.
   (c) It is necessary to ensure that all available personnel and
equipment in this state are immediately available to protect the life
and property of the residents of this state.
   (d) It is the intent of the Legislature that the Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection, in cooperation with the Office of
Emergency Services, work with the active military to certify pilots
and equipment for firefighting efforts in this state.
  SEC. 2.  Section 715 is added to the Public Resources Code, to
read:
   715.  The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, in
cooperation with the Office of Emergency Services, shall develop a
program to certify active duty military pilots to engage in
firefighting in the state.