The Dental Hygiene Board of California has taken significant steps to support local businesses affected by the recent Southern California wildfires. During a meeting on March 22, 2025, Judy Bucciarilli from the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) outlined the provisions of Governor Newsom's executive order, which aims to provide relief to businesses in impacted areas.

Under the executive order, DCA licensees whose licenses expire between January 1 and July 1, 2025, will receive a one-year extension to pay their renewal fees if their business or residence is located in specific ZIP codes affected by the wildfires. Additionally, duplicate or replacement licenses will be issued free of charge until January 7, 2026, and delinquency fees will be suspended until July 1, 2025. This initiative is designed to ease the financial burden on licensees as they recover from the disaster.

Bucciarilli emphasized the importance of communication, noting that DCA has provided messaging to boards and bureaus to ensure that affected licensees are informed about the fee deferral opportunities. The DCA has also launched a disaster help center webpage, offering resources and assistance to fire survivors navigating the rebuilding process.

In addition to wildfire relief efforts, the meeting addressed Governor Newsom's proposed budget for 2025-2026, which includes the establishment of a dedicated California housing and homeless agency. This new agency aims to enhance consumer protection and align various regulatory bodies under one umbrella, thereby improving service delivery to Californians.

Another key topic discussed was the transition to hybrid telework policies. Starting July 1, 2025, state agencies will require employees to work in the office four days a week, an increase from the current two-day requirement. The DCA is collaborating with other agencies to implement this change effectively.

These developments reflect the DCA's commitment to supporting California's communities during challenging times while also enhancing operational efficiency within state agencies. As the DCA continues to update its policies and resources, stakeholders can expect ongoing support and guidance in the months ahead.