“Altadena Forever” banner (File Photo – LA County Public Works)
Eleven bills authored by state Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, D-Pasadena, have cleared the California Legislature and await action from Gov. Gavin Newsom. Several focus on Eaton Fire recovery and rebuilding in Altadena, while others would strengthen insurance oversight, limit utility costs and expand protections in schools, detention facilities and health care.
By News Desk
Senate Bill 742, the Wildfire & Emergency Management Act, would require abandoned or decommissioned power lines to be removed and electrical utilities to coordinate with regional emergency operations centers during emergencies.
SB 877, the Fair Claims Practices and Transparency Act, would require insurers to provide policyholders with the materials used to calculate loss estimates and any subsequent revisions. Consumer Watchdog and Every Fire Survivor’s Network sponsor the bill.
SB 878, the Insurance Payment Accountability Act, would penalize insurers that miss deadlines for deciding claims or issuing payments. Insurers also would have to identify disputed items in writing and pay the undisputed portion of a claim while other issues are resolved. Sponsors include Consumer Watchdog, Every Fire Survivor’s Network and the state insurance commissioner.
SB 1090, the Keep Altadena Land in Altadena Hands Act, would temporarily halt implementation of SB 1123, a law signed in 2024. Pérez said the measure is intended to address the acquisition of fire-damaged properties for higher-density development. Because it contains urgency provisions, it would take effect Oct. 1 if signed.
SB 1098, the Protect Ratepayers from Utility Overspending Act, would establish guidelines for investor-owned utilities’ use of memorandum and balancing accounts. It also would require costs approved for recovery through customer rates to be set below utilities’ current authorized rate of return. The Utility Reform Network sponsors the bill.
SB 1417, the Mutual Water Company Rate Disclosure and Fair Notice Act, would require mutual water companies, including those serving Altadena, to provide notice and hold public meetings before raising rates. The companies also would have to provide records upon request to eligible individuals and could not hold a shareholder’s tenant directly responsible for unpaid water charges.
The remaining measures address immigration detention, law enforcement, student safety, youth apprenticeships and health care access.
SB 957, the Protecting Vulnerable Immigrant Detainees Model Act, would direct the attorney general to develop an oversight plan for privately operated immigration detention facilities. The plan would address the health, safety and welfare of people held there. The measure comes after Pérez’s SB 995 failed in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
SB 1105, the Protect California Rights Act, would require state and local law enforcement agencies participating in federal task forces to provide written assurances that they will not engage in racial profiling or criminalize speech while working with federal agents. ACLU California Action and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles sponsor the bill.
SB 1083, the Statewide Accountability System for Egregious Misconduct, would increase investigation and reporting requirements for misconduct affecting students. It also would require fingerprint-based background checks, disclosures and other vetting procedures for independent contractors who work with students.
The bill builds on Pérez’s Safe Learning Environments Act, SB 848, which passed in 2025. Its sponsors include the California School Employees Association, AFSCME California, the California Federation of Teachers and SEIU California.
SB 845, the High School Youth Apprenticeship Act, would expand career-connected learning by increasing hands-on opportunities, reducing barriers to industry participation and connecting students with high-demand careers. The California Workforce Association and NextGen California sponsor the bill.
SB 526, the Change-of-Location Health Care Clinic Application bill, would allow community health centers with an affiliate to use the California Department of Public Health’s expedited licensing process when opening, relocating or changing management of a health center.
The measure would extend the process to clinics licensed before 2010 that remain in good standing. Facilities such as Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley could use it to obtain a license for a new facility. Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and the California Primary Care Association sponsor the bill.
“From day one, my legislative priorities have focused on Eaton Fire survivors and advocating for the resources and policies they need to recover by removing barriers to rebuilding,” Pérez said in a statement. “It has been a privilege to partner with this strong and resilient community in advocating for greater public resources and stronger accountability for both investor-owned utilities and the insurance industry.”
Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto the measures.
Leave a Reply