As Wildfires Erupt Throughout the State of California Senator Cortese’s Bill Reducing Wildfire Risk While Protecting Native Plants Is Approved by the California Assembly

SACRAMENTO –  Senator Dave Cortese’s (D-Silicon Valley) Senate Bill 653 that defines and promotes environmentally sensitive vegetation management to reduce catastrophic wildfire risk while protecting native plants and wildlife today was passed by the California Assembly. It now goes back to the Senate for approval.

This bill was passed as the peak of California’s year-round wildfire season gets underway running through the fall including significant risks from Santa Ana winds in Southern California.

“My bill about vegetation management is so crucial because it addresses a key tension between wildfire prevention and environmental conservation. Senate Bill 653 is a science-based approach that eases that tension and is protective on all fronts," said State Senator Dave Cortese. “This bill will help guide state agencies that fund these projects to prioritize certain ecological best practices while reducing long-term catastrophic wildfire risk.”

"The passage of SB 653 is a significant victory for our state's environment, ensuring that our wildfire prevention efforts are both effective and ecologically sound. As we ramp up our fuel reduction efforts statewide to reduce the risk of severe fires, this crucial legislation will also protect the integrity and health of our natural landscapes by preventing the proliferation of invasive weeds that are often highly fire prone. We are immensely grateful to Senator Cortese for his leadership in championing this legislation to protect California's unique biodiversity as we work to safeguard communities from wildfires," said Ana María Ruiz, General Manager of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District based in Los Altos.

Background: 

Senator Cortese has authored and co-authored several bills that are part of a historic package of bills investing in Firesafe California following the fires that ravaged Los Angeles communities in January.

  • SB 429 – Creates the nation’s first public wildfire catastrophe model, improving insurance transparency and risk planning.
  • ** SB 616 (Joint-Author) – Establishes a Community Hardening Commission to unify and modernize home fire protection standards.

Senator Cortese has co-authored the following fire protections bills:

  • SB 581 The Fight for Firefighters Act to phase out seasonal CalFire firefighters who work nine months out the year - typically laid off during the winter months - and transition these 3,000 firefighters to full-time status.
  • SB 36 – Price Gouging
  • SB 663 – Provide Property Tax Relief Following The 2025 Southern California Fires
  • SB 625 – Speed-up Residential Rebuilds Following A State Of Emergency
  • SB 616 – Insurance Community Hardening Commission
  • SB 547 – Commercial Insurance Nonrenewal Moratorium
  • SB 676 – Extend California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Streamlining For LA Fires & Other Disasters
  • SB 582 – Rebuilding Health Facilities, Assisted Living and Child Care Facilities and other licensed Facilities
  • SB 571 – Strengthen Penalties Against Bad Actors During A State Of Emergency
  • SB 629 – Keeping Communities Safe From Wildfires

SB 641 – Consumer Protection And Business Recovery