(a) On or before July 1, 2022, the board shall develop criteria for and maintain a “Fire Risk Reduction Community” list of local agencies located in a state responsibility area or a very high fire hazard severity zone, identified pursuant to § 51178 of the Government Code, that meet best practices for local fire planning.

(b) The board shall consider all of the following when developing the criteria for the list required under subdivision (a):

(1) Compliance with the board’s regulations, including minimum fire safety standards.

(2) Participation in the National Fire Protection Association’s “Firewise USA” or the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s “Fire Adapted Communities” programs.

(3) Adoption of the board’s recommendations to improve the safety element pursuant to subdivision (b) of § 65302.5 of the Government Code.

(4) Recently developed or updated community wildfire protection plans.

(c) The board shall post the “Fire Risk Reduction Community” list on its internet website.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 399, Sec. 3. (AB 1823) Effective January 1, 2020.)