TO: City of Cupertino
Legislative Review Committee
FROM: Anthony, Jason, And Paul Gonsalves
SUBJECT: Consider Adopting A Support Position On AB 2037 (Patterson) Wildfire Mitigation Aging and Disability Grant Pilot Program
DATE: August 17, 2026
The official text of AB 2037 (Patterson) can be found at the California Legislative Information webpage.
Summary:
AB 2037 (Patterson), as amended on May 18, 2026, establishes the Wildfire Mitigation Aging and Disability Grant Pilot Program within the California Department of Aging.
Subject to an appropriation by the Legislature, the program would provide grants through Area Agencies on Aging in three pilot regions to help low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities pay for wildfire mitigation activities on their properties.
Eligible grant funds could be used to hire licensed contractors or other qualified service providers to perform defensible space, vegetation management, and other wildfire risk reduction measures that recipients could not otherwise afford. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to implement the pilot program and requires participating agencies to report on program outcomes before the pilot sunsets on January 1, 2030.
Santa Clara County's Area Agency on Aging is not currently included in the bill's proposed pilot program; however, the program could serve as a model for future statewide expansion depending on funding availability and pilot program outcomes.
Support:
City of Thousand Oaks, AARP, California Fire Chiefs Association, California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, Fire Districts Association of California Opposition:
None
Status:
AB 2037 passed out of the Senate Human Services Committee 5-0 on June 29, 2026. The bill was also heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee and was referred to the Appropriations Suspense File.
Legislative Platform:
This bill falls under the Emergency Preparedness section Page 5, Item #5, “Support specific funding opportunities to address natural disaster mitigation and evacuation planning.” This bill also falls under the Health & Public Safety section Page 6, Item #3, “Support legislation to provide funding and services for vulnerable populations.” Recommended Action:
Adopt a support position on AB 2037 and authorize the Mayor to send letters to the State Legislature.