New construction in Altadena, April 10, 2026 (Photo – W.K.)
Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) announced that Assembly Bill 1847 has passed the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee, marking another step forward for legislation aimed at extending mortgage forbearance protections for homeowners affected by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires.
By News Desk
The bill, which has garnered bipartisan support, is officially sponsored by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. If enacted, AB 1847 would extend mortgage forbearance protections by an additional year, providing financial relief to homeowners still recovering from the devastating wildfires.
More than a year after the Eaton and Palisades fires, thousands of families remain displaced as rebuilding efforts continue to face obstacles, including insurance disputes, rising construction costs, labor shortages, and ongoing financial uncertainty. Many homeowners are also struggling to make mortgage payments on damaged or uninhabitable properties.
According to Harabedian, the legislation is intended to address those challenges by helping families avoid foreclosure while rebuilding their homes.
“The priority needs to be helping families impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires get back on their feet. The aid granted to these communities should reflect that,” Harabedian said. “AB 1847 is designed to better reflect the harsh realities of wildfire recovery in California and the lengthy process survivors endure by giving them a temporary break from mortgage payments while they rebuild.”
Bass said many survivors continue to face financial barriers that are slowing recovery efforts.
“So many wildfire survivors continue to face ongoing mortgage payments and insurance denials that are making it impossible to rebuild,” Bass said. “We need the big banks and insurance companies to step up and do what’s right so wildfire survivors can rebuild. Supervisor Barger and I have been fighting for this here at home, in Sacramento, and in Washington, and I thank Assemblymember Harabedian for introducing this legislation and listening to survivors.”
Barger also voiced support for the measure, emphasizing the financial burdens many affected families continue to face.
“I appreciate Assemblymember Harabedian’s leadership on AB 1847 and his commitment to listening to wildfire survivors and responding to their needs,” Barger said. “Extending mortgage forbearance is the right thing to do. Too many families are carrying the immense burden of recovery while struggling to maintain their homes and financial stability. They deserve every relief measure we can provide, and we must continue standing alongside wildfire survivors and doing everything possible to help them recover. AB 1847 offers meaningful support at a critical time and will help families move forward with hope.”
Following its approval by the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee, AB 1847 now advances to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further consideration as it continues through the legislative process.
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