SACRAMENTO— Assemblymember Steve Bennett’s AB 2075 has been signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Sponsored by the Ventura County District Attorney’s office, the legislation enhances wildfire safety regulations and liability protections by authorizing and equipping agricultural and vegetation management workers to suppress accidental ignitions before they escape into catastrophic wildfires.
“Wildfires can grow from a small ignition into a devastating disaster in a matter of seconds,” Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “AB 2075 puts the tools needed to stop a fire where they belong, at the source of ignition, and makes clear that those conducting vegetation clearing operations have a responsibility to be prepared. This law is about preventing fires before they become tragedies and protecting California communities.”
Prompted in part by disastrous blazes like the 2024 Mountain Fire in Ventura County, which burned nearly 20,000 acres after a brush-clearing spark reignited, the bill clarifies safety standards to ensure the equipment needed is nearby should a fire start. It also ensures that the companies performing these operations, rather than individual employees, are held liable if a fire breaks out.
“With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires, California needs clarity regarding who to hold accountable when an accidental fire breaks out during an outdoor operation,” said Assemblymember Steve Bennett. “AB 2075 clarifies fire safety standards during operations on or near any forest, brush, or grass-covered land and ensures companies performing such activities clearly know what they can be held liable for in the event a fire occurs.”
“This bill is a commonsense measure to protect workers and guarantee justice for fire victims,” Assemblymember Bennett continued.
The passage of AB 2075 marks a critical milestone in California’s effort to bolster wildfire safety, reduce risk from agricultural and land maintenance activities, and build safer, more resilient communities.
— Steve Bennett represents the 38th Assembly District, which includes Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, and Ventura. He is chair of the Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Change, Natural Resources, Energy and Transportation.