Pasadena Assemblymember’s Wildfire Recovery Bills Clear Senate Committee

Three wildfire recovery bills authored by Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) advanced Friday through the state Senate Appropriations Committee, moving closer to a floor vote in the coming weeks.

“These bills represent meaningful advances in our recovery efforts,” Harabedian said in a statement. “From aligning all levels of government in rebuilding housing to protecting our proud history of homeownership and ensuring that victims of unimaginable disasters get the help they need, I am proud to continue fighting for an accelerated and survivor-led comeback for our community.”

The measures include:

AB 239, which creates a State-Led Disaster Housing Task Force to coordinate federal, state and local recovery efforts. A State Disaster Housing Coordinator would oversee rebuilding, provide accountability and report to lawmakers on progress and challenges.

AB 797, the Community Stabilization Act, which allows nonprofits to use Community Reinvestment Act funds to buy homes in disaster zones at fair market value. The bill is intended to protect homeowners from speculative purchases and preserve neighborhood stability.

AB 1032, co-authored with Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas), which requires health insurers to cover 12 additional mental health visits for survivors for up to one year after a disaster declaration is lifted.

The three bills are part of Harabedian’s broader wildfire recovery package. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 493, the Disaster Insurance Accrual Act, into law earlier Friday. Another measure, AB 238, the Mortgage Forbearance Act, awaits a vote on the Senate floor.

The full Senate is expected to consider the wildfire package within the next two weeks.

Harabedian represents the 41st Assembly District, which includes Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, La Cañada Flintridge, Claremont, Upland and nearby foothill communities.