The Next Step in Wildfire Recovery is in the Governor’s Hands

The Next Step in Wildfire Recovery is in the Governor's Hands

Four wildfire recovery bills by Assemblymember John Harabedian clear the Legislature and await the Governor's approval.

(SACRAMENTO, CA) - Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) announced today that four bills aimed at helping wildfire survivors rebuild and recover have passed the California State Legislature and are now headed to Governor Newsom's desk.

"These bills address the practical challenges wildfire survivors are still facing as they rebuild," said Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena). "From knowing whether their homes are safe to return to, to keeping a roof over their heads and maintaining insurance coverage, families deserve a recovery process that works for them. I'm proud of the work we've done to get these measures through the Legislature."

Four Bills to Help Wildfire Survivors Await the Governor's Approval:

• AB 1642 - Establishes statewide standards for testing and remediating post-wildfire contamination, providing communities with clear and consistent standards for determining whether properties affected by wildfires are safe to return to.
• AB 1842 - California Mortgage Relief Act: Establishes a statewide mortgage forbearance framework for homeowners whose residences are rendered uninhabitable by a major disaster. This wildfire safety net is a first in the nation state framework.
• AB 1847 - Mortgage Relief for Los Angeles Wildfire Survivors: Extends mortgage forbearance protections for homeowners impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires as they continue to rebuild.
• AB 2038 - Extends existing post-disaster insurance protections, giving survivors more time to rebuild without losing their insurance coverage.

Building On Last Years Work

Harabedian has made wildfire recovery a priority since the Eaton and Palisades fires devastated communities across Los Angeles County. In 2025, he authored AB 238, which was signed into law to provide mortgage forbearance protections for homeowners affected by the fires. He also authoredAB 493 (Harabedian, 2025), which was also signed into law to address interest earned on insurance proceeds held during the rebuilding process.

Two additional measures, AB 1032 (Harabedian & Rivas, 2025), which would have expanded behavioral health services for wildfire survivors, and AB 239 (Harabedian & Irwin, 2025) which would have created a disaster housing task force to expedite the rebuilding process, passed the Legislature but were ultimately vetoed by Governor Newsom.

This year, Harabedian returned with four additional measures focused on the challenges survivors continue to face during recovery. All four have now cleared the Legislature.

"The Legislature has done its part, and now the responsibility is with the Governor," said Assemblymember Harabedian. "These bills have made it through the legislative process because survivors have made clear what they need. Survivors should not have to keep waiting for help that is already within reach. I urge the Governor to sign these four bills and stand with families who are still rebuilding."

The four bills now await Governor Newsom's signature by September 30th.

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Assemblymember John Harabedian represents the 41st District composed of the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan.