1. A. The "wildfire prepared program" is created in the department to make structures and properties in New Mexico wildfire prepared. The department shall provide technical assistance and training, conduct assessments, provide certification and award grants to:

   1. (1) political subdivisions of the state to:

      1. (a) make changes to structures and properties to make them wildfire prepared;
      2. (b) conduct hazardous fuels reduction to provide buffers for structures and properties in high-risk areas; and
      3. (c) establish community-based programs to conduct assessments and provide certification; or
   2. (2) qualified entities to assist eligible property owners with making the necessary changes to their residences for the sole purpose of making the residences wildfire prepared.
2. B. At least fifty percent of the grant money awarded pursuant to this section shall be made to qualified entities for the purpose of assisting eligible property owners with making the necessary changes to their residences to make them wildfire prepared.
3. C. Grants awarded pursuant to the wildfire prepared program shall be consistent with the guidelines and requirements developed by the task force.
4. D. Nothing in the Wildfire Prepared Act shall create any additional right of action under the law, and the provisions of that act do not guarantee any benefits and shall not be construed to create an interest in property that is enforceable under state law or that does not otherwise exist.

History: Laws 2025, ch. 55, § 4.

ANNOTATIONS

Effective dates. — Laws 2025, ch. 55, § 7 made Laws 2025, ch. 55, § 4 effective April 7, 2025.