4761.
(a) (1) To ensure that the equipment and services necessary for the implementation of priority fuel reduction projects, including housing for fuels crews, can be procured quickly, the requirements set forth in the Government Code and the Public Contract Code applicable to state contracts, including, but not limited to, advertising and competitive bidding requirements, do not apply to contracting by the department for the implementation of priority fuel reduction projects.(2) The Department of Finance shall review and approve contract costs before the execution of a contract entered into by the department for the implementation of priority fuel reduction projects.
(b) Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code does not apply to the development and adoption of regulations or guidelines necessary for the implementation of this article.
(c) (1) Subject to paragraph (3), state laws, rules, regulations, or other legal requirements under the jurisdiction of an agency or department within the California Environmental Protection Agency or the Natural Resources Agency do not apply to priority fuel reduction projects.
(2) Subject to paragraph (3), Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) does not apply to priority fuel reduction projects.
(3) This subdivision applies only if the department requests and the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency or the secretary’s designee determines that
the priority fuel reduction project meets the requirements of subdivision (a) and the priority fuel reduction project takes protection of the environment into account while ensuring timely implementation of the project.
(d) (1) Notwithstanding the requirements set forth in the Business and Professions Code, for purposes carrying out a priority fuel reduction project, both of the following apply:
(A) An individual who holds a timber operator license may perform tree removal that would otherwise require a tree service contractor’s license with the C-61 or D-49 classification.
(B) An individual who holds a tree service contractor’s license with the C-61 or D-49 classification may perform timber operations that would otherwise require a timber operator license.
(2) To perform services authorized under this subdivision, a tree service contractor shall do all of the following:
(A) Maintain the insurance coverage in the form and amount specified in subdivision (c) of Section 4572 before the conduct of timber operations.
(B) Maintain the insurance coverage throughout the conduct of timber operations.
(C) Comply with all operational provisions of Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 4511) and rules applicable to the timber operations. The requirements of Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 4511) and the applicable rules requiring licensure for the timber operations do not apply to an individual who holds a valid tree service contractor’s license.