HB 78: Forest health grant program.
HB 78 status: Enacted — Assigned Chapter Number 99 (updated Mar 8, 2026).
What this bill does
Overall score
Bill summary
OfficialThis bill establishes the Forest Health Grant Program, administered by the State Forester, to fund projects improving forest health, water quality, wildfire risk reduction, forest product production and wildlife habitat. Specifies that grants can cover up to seventy‑five percent (75%) of project costs on state, local o...
Key analysis
Impact analysis
Environment
Benefits
- Increases resources for wildfire risk reduction
- Supports habitat restoration and water quality improvements
Risks
- Management efficacy depends on specific project selection
Economy
Benefits
- Incentivizes forest product production
- Encourages private investment via matching fund requirements
Risks
- Requires ongoing state fiscal appropriation
Society
Benefits
- Improves public safety by mitigating wildfire threats
- Provides structured oversight through AG review
Risks
- Benefits may be concentrated in rural or forested districts
How trustworthy & consequential it is
Source
OpenStates
Confidence
lowlow
Analysis status
OpenStates summary
Program success relies on the administrative capacity of the State Forester
Analysis based on abstract summary; full bill text not reviewed
Where it stands
Introduced
CompleteCommittee
CompleteFloor
CompleteGovernor
CompleteEnacted
CompleteHow it affects your district
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