Three Wildfire Recovery Bills Advance in California Senate

West of Fair Oaks in Altadena (Photo – Melissa Michelson)

On Friday, August 29, Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) advanced three wildfire recovery bills through the Senate Appropriations Committee.

By News Desk

The legislation is aimed at supporting survivors of the Los Angeles wildfires.

The three bills are:

• AB 239: Creates a State-Led Disaster Housing Task Force to coordinate federal, state, and local efforts during post-disaster housing recovery. A designated State Disaster Housing Coordinator would oversee rebuilding efforts and report to the Legislature.
• AB 797 (Community Stabilization Act): Allows nonprofit organizations to use Community Reinvestment Act funds to purchase homes in disaster-affected areas at fair market value, with the goal of protecting local homeownership and property values.
• AB 1032: Requires health insurers to cover 12 additional visits with a licensed mental health professional for survivors, for up to one year after a disaster declaration ends. The bill is co-authored with Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas).

These bills will move to the full Senate for a vote in the coming weeks.

They are part of a broader wildfire recovery package. AB 493, the Disaster Insurance Accrual Act, was signed into law earlier on Friday. AB 238, the Mortgage Forbearance Act, is currently awaiting a Senate floor vote.

Assemblymember Harabedian represents California’s 41st Assembly District, which includes Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, Monrovia, Claremont, and surrounding areas.