Study resolution on wildfire safety

This joint resolution (LC 1612) requests an interim study on wildfire safety in Montana, not a new law. It directs the Legislative Council to form a committee to examine wildfire impacts on communities, land use planning for fire resilience (like defensible space and building materials), current policy barriers, and potential solutions such as incentives for home hardening and updated building codes. The study will assess economic, social, and ecological costs of wildfires versus prevention strategies, with findings due to the 70th Legislature by September 2026. It directly affects future policy decisions for Montana communities facing high wildfire risk, which impacts residents, firefighters, housing affordability, and local economies.