Assembly approves 10% set‑aside for beneficial fire work in CalFire funding bill

Assemblymember Connolly presented AB 18 91 as a bipartisan bill to allocate a portion of CalFire's GGRF funds to beneficial fire practices and to explicitly include a tribal allocation within that share.

"AB 18 91 is back on concurrence and will allocate 10% of Cal Fire's GGRF monies to beneficial fire," Assemblymember Connolly said on the floor, explaining that the amendments broadened the scope and clarified tribal set‑asides.

Supporters said dedicating funding to beneficial fire and reserving a portion for California Native American tribes will advance both forest health and tribal participation in land stewardship. The bill passed the Assembly by recorded vote with no recorded opposition.

Lawmakers said the measure will help bridge state funding and native stewardship practices while offering a durable funding stream for prescribed and cultural burning projects.