California Democrats target insurance market, rebuilding in wildfire-related legislation

California Senate Democrats on Tuesday highlighted a package of bills they’re calling the Golden State Commitment, a legislative set they say is intended to bolster the state’s response to wildfire and make communities safer.

The move comes about a month after the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires erupted in Los Angeles County. The fires destroyed thousands of structures and led to some two dozen deaths.

The 13 bills and budget investment proposals touch on a range of fire-related issues, including prevention, rebuilding and recovery, as well as heightening protections for homeowners and renters and the stabilization of the insurance market.  

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The property tax relief bill focuses on ensuring properties damaged or destroyed keep their welfare property tax exemption. It also extends the deadline for someone to file a misfortune and calamity claim.

“For many, generations of wealth were wiped out by the devastating blazes,” said state Senator Jerry McNerney, a Pleasanton Democrat, in a statement. “Our bill will double the amount of time survivors have to access property tax relief, while extending the length of time survivors have to rebuild.”

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