CAL.Regulation
California creates a CAL FIRE Fire Innovation Unit through 2032
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1079 on September 29, 2026. Upon appropriation, it creates a Fire Innovation Unit within CAL FIRE to research, test, procure and deploy wildfire technology. A vendor that completes a unit-run pilot and receives formal validation may get a follow-on contract for substantially similar technology without a separate competitive solicitation. The provisions are repealed January 1, 2033.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Office of the Governor
Key points
- Creates the CAL FIRE Fire Innovation Unit and Wildfire Innovation Program.California Legislative Information
- A validated pilot vendor may receive a follow-on contract for the same use case without a separate competitive solicitation.California Legislative Information
- Chapter 774, Statutes of 2026, adds Public Resources Code sections 785 and following; it takes effect January 1, 2027 and is repealed January 1, 2033.California Legislative Information
- Signed September 29, 2026 as part of California's wildfire prevention and response package.Office of the Governor