Connolly passes AB 1, Wildfire Insurance Bill, to the Governor

AB 1, Assemblymember Connolly's bill to strengthen the Safer from Wildfires Program regulations, has passed through the legislature with overwhelming support and is now headed to the Governor's desk for his signature.

• Isabella Jimenez
• [email protected]

SACRAMENTO, CA - Today, AB 1, Assemblymember Connolly's (D-San Rafael) bill that strengthens the Safer from Wildfires Program regulations, passed the California State Legislature with unanimous and bipartisan support. AB 1 will require the California Department of Insurance to review and consider updates to the Safer from Wildfires regulations every five years, to ensure that the regulations continue to reflect the needs of consumers and the industry and provide the largest benefit to homeowners.

"AB 1 helps consumers save money on their insurance bills while simultaneously mitigating wildfire risk," said Assemblymember Connolly. "I am proud to have received unanimous and bipartisan support from my legislative colleagues on this bill. It is critical that we support homeowners across California who are taking the responsible steps to harden their homes."

Rising insurance costs are affecting communities up and down the state, and in areas where wildfire risks are high, insurance is increasingly unaffordable and absent. The Safer from Wildfires program is the only avenue available for consumers to receive direct discounts for hardening their homes and neighborhoods. After witnessing some of the most destructive fires in California, it is imperative that community members, who are responsibly hardening their homes against wildfires, are offered as much relief as possible. Additionally, by periodically revisiting the regulations, AB 1 ensures that new wildfire prevention methods are taken into account, while offering relief.

This critical measure will provide essential support to communities most vulnerable to wildfires and has passed through the legislature with unanimous and bipartisan support. This bill is sponsored by the Insurance Commissioner, Ricardo Lara, and is supported by a broad coalition of other counties, environmental groups, and industry associations across California. This bill will now be sent to the Governor's desk for his signature.

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Assemblymember Connolly represents Assembly District 12, consisting of Marin County and Southern Sonoma County.