Lawmakers fire off wildfire recovery bills and spending proposals

By Jolena Voorhis, legislative affairs lobbyist, and Ben Triffo, legislative affairs lobbyist

Lawmakers today held hearings on four measures that would help communities recover from the Los Angeles County wildfires. The bills collectively propose $2.5 billion in assistance. The one-time funding would come from the state's General Fund - not the 2024 climate bond, as first reported.

Gov. Gavin Newsom called a special session last week in response to the new federal administration but quickly expanded it to wildfire relief. Some Democratic leaders suggested lumping both issues together but backed down after pressure from state Republicans.

Notably, the special session focuses on financial assistance for recovery and does not include other issues, such as home insurance. Cal Cities is supportive of funding and resources to jumpstart recovery.

ABx1 4/SBx1 4 (Gabriel/Wiener) would provide up to $1.5 billion to various state departments and agencies to use in areas affected by the state of emergency declared by the Governor in January. These funds could be used for immediate relief, such as emergency protective measures, evacuations, shelters, household hazardous waste removal, debris remediation, and environmental testing.

ABx1 5/SBx1 3 (Gabriel/Wiener) would create a $4 million grant program to help local governments in impacted areas plan, expedite, and inspect housing. This measure would also provide:

• $1 million to rebuild and recover school facilities damaged as a result of the wildfires.
• $1 billion for augmentations to departments and agencies for immediate recovery efforts in areas of the state affected by the wildfires.

Legislators will likely vote on the measures in the next few days.

The Assembly Democratic Caucus has also announced a package of bills in what is likely an opening salvo of related measures from lawmakers. The package focuses on building standards, mortgage assistance, permit review, accessory dwelling units, and tenancy rights. Cal Cities will review the measures once they are formally introduced.

Newsom has issued around 10 executive orders, largely focused on permit streamlining and debris removal.