AB 1: Residential property insurance: wildfire risk.
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2025-10-09
Current Status:
Passed
(2025-10-09: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 472, Statutes of 2025.)
Introduced
In Committee
Awaiting First Chamber Vote
Passed First Chamber
In Committee
Awaiting Second Chamber Vote
Passed Second Chamber
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill requires the California Department of Insurance to periodically (every five years) review and consider adding more home and community wildfire hardening measures to its Safer from Wildfires insurance rules, which affects homeowners in fire-prone areas and insurers that must account for those measures when setting rates. As part of the review, the department must consult with state fire, emergency, utility, and planning agencies, meet with stakeholders, hold public meetings, publish draft and final lists of measures for comment, and begin the formal process to change the regulations if it adopts new measures.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Existing law generally regulates classes of insurance, including property and fire insurance. Existing law creates the Department of Insurance, headed by the Insurance Commissioner, and prescribes the departments powers and duties. Existing department regulations prohibit an insurer from using a rating plan that does not take into account and reflect specified wildfire risk mitigation, including property-level building hardening measures.
This bill would require the department, on or before January 1, 2030, and every 5 years thereafter, to consider whether or not to update its regulations to include additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs. As part of this consideration, the bill would require the department to consult with specified agencies to identify additional building hardening measures to consider, as well as to develop and implement a public participation process during the evaluation.
Existing law generally regulates classes of insurance, including property and fire insurance. Existing law creates the Department of Insurance, headed by the Insurance Commissioner, and prescribes the departments powers and duties. Existing department regulations prohibit an insurer from using a rating plan that does not take into account and reflect specified wildfire risk mitigation, including property-level building hardening measures.
This bill would require the department, on or before January 1, 2030, and every 5 years thereafter, to consider whether or not to update its regulations to include additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs. As part of this consideration, the bill would require the department to consult with specified agencies to identify additional building hardening measures to consider, as well as to develop and implement a public participation process during the evaluation.
Existing law generally regulates classes of insurance, including property and fire insurance. Existing law creates the Department of Insurance, headed by the Insurance Commissioner, and prescribes the departments powers and duties. Existing department regulations prohibit an insurer from using a rating plan that does not take into account and reflect specified wildfire risk mitigation, including property-level building hardening measures.
This bill would require the department, on or before January 1, 2030, and every 5 years thereafter, to consider whether or not to update its regulations to include additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs. As part of this consideration, the bill would require the department to consult with specified agencies to identify additional building hardening measures to consider, as well as to develop and implement a public participation process during the evaluation.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)More than 2,000,000 California households, or approximately one in four residential structures in California, are located within or near high or very high fire hazard severity zones. These households are particularly vulnerable to increasingly catastrophic wildfires that pose urgent threats to lives, property, and resources in California.
(b)The state has invested nearly three billion dollars ($3,000,000,000) since the Budget Act of 2019 into programs and projects to improve forest health and resilience, create fuel breaks, harden homes and communities, and build resilient lifeline infrastructure to withstand wildfire disasters when they do occur.
(c)Chapter 391 of the Statutes of 2019, which created the California Wildfire Mitigation Program jointly administered by the Office of Emergency Services and the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, recognized that California must develop statewide options to encourage cost-effective structure hardening to create fire-resistant homes, businesses, and public buildings within wildfire hazard areas and with a focus on vulnerable communities.
(d)State support for home hardening incentive programs is especially critical now. California residents are finding homeowners insurance in very high risk fire areas to be increasingly difficult and costly to obtain, if coverage is even available. The Department of Insurance determined that the majority of nonrenewals, refusals to insure, and increased premiums resulted from insurers use of wildfire risk models that do not account for wildfire risk reduction or home hardening measures completed by the homeowner or community.
(e)On September 21, 2023, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order No. N-13-23 asking the Insurance Commissioner to take prompt regulatory action to strengthen and stabilize Californias marketplace for homeowners insurance and commercial property insurance, including maintaining the long-term availability of homeowners and commercial property insurance coverage.
(f)Regular review of and updates to the Department of Insurances Safer from Wildfires regulations will advance these goals. The Safer from Wildfires regulations incentivize homeowners to invest in specified wildfire risk reduction and home hardening measures by requiring admitted insurers to reflect and take into account these measures in their ratings plans. The voluntary home hardening measures included in the Safer from Wildfires regulations provide a higher level of fire protection than what is otherwise required by state law and help contain the spread of wildfires, reduce property damage, save lives, and encourage insurance companies to remain committed to the California insurance market.
(g)It is the intent of the Legislature to further incentivize homeowners to invest in demonstrably effective home hardening measures by requiring the Department of Insurance to periodically review its Safer from Wildfires regulations and consider whether or not to amend the regulations to include additional communitywide mitigation programs and building hardening measures, including use of specified noncombustible construction materials that are included by the Office of the State Fire Marshal on the Building Materials Listing. Noncombustible construction materials, as defined by the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), provide the highest level of fire safety among materials included on the Building Materials Listing because these materials do not ignite, even when exposed to high temperatures for extended periods of time. Use of noncombustible construction materials is an effective means of reducing fire-related property damage and the contribution of structures to the spread of wildfires.
(h)The Building Materials Listing includes construction materials that have been tested and analyzed by a laboratory accredited by the Office of the State Fire Marshal to confirm the materials meet established performance and reliability features.
2096.For purposes of this article:
(a)Building Materials Listing means the list of construction materials and equipment biennially prepared by the Office of the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13144.1 of the Health and Safety Code as part of the Office of the State Fire Marshals Building Materials Listing Program.
(b)Safer from Wildfires regulations means the regulations set forth in Section 2644.9 of Title 10 of California Code of Regulations.
2097.(a)(1)On or before January 1, 2030, and every five years thereafter, the department shall consider whether to update the Safer from Wildfires regulations to include additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs.
(2)If the department updates the Safer from Wildfires regulations, it shall, as a part of its first consideration, consider whether to update these regulations to include in the regulations the installation of construction materials included by the Office of the State Fire Marshal on the Building Materials Listing or in compliance with the most recent provisions of Chapter 7A of the California Building Standards Code.
(b)As part of its consideration pursuant to subdivision (a), the department shall do both of the following:
(1)Consult with the Office of Emergency Services, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Public Utilities Commission, and the Office of Planning and Research to identify additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs to consider.
(2)Consult with relevant stakeholders to consider potential revisions to the Safer from Wildfires regulations.
(3)Develop and implement a process that allows for meaningful public participation that includes, at a minimum, all of the following:
(A)Holding at least one public meeting to allow interested persons to submit suggestions for additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs for the department to consider.
(B)Making available for public review and comment, including during at least one public meeting, a preliminary list of building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs being considered by the department for inclusion in the Safer from Wildfires regulations.
(C)Making available to the public a final list of building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs the department proposes to include in the list of building hardening measures identified in the Safer from Wildfires regulations before amending the regulations pursuant to the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
(c)If the department makes public a final list of building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs to be included in the list of building hardening measures identified in the Safer from Wildfires regulations pursuant to subparagraph (C) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), the department shall initiate the Administrative Procedure Act rulemaking process to amend the Safer from Wildfires regulations within 30 days of publishing the final list.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)More than 2,000,000 California households, or approximately one in four residential structures in California, are located within or near high or very high fire hazard severity zones. These households are particularly vulnerable to increasingly catastrophic wildfires that pose urgent threats to lives, property, and resources in California.
(b)The state has invested nearly three billion dollars ($3,000,000,000) since the Budget Act of 2019 into programs and projects to improve forest health and resilience, create fuel breaks, harden homes and communities, and build resilient lifeline infrastructure to withstand wildfire disasters when they do occur.
(c)Chapter 391 of the Statutes of 2019, which created the California Wildfire Mitigation Program jointly administered by the Office of Emergency Services and the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, recognized that California must develop statewide options to encourage cost-effective structure hardening to create fire-resistant homes, businesses, and public buildings within wildfire hazard areas and with a focus on vulnerable communities.
(d)State support for home hardening incentive programs is especially critical now. California residents are finding homeowners insurance in very high risk fire areas to be increasingly difficult and costly to obtain, if coverage is even available. The Department of Insurance determined that the majority of nonrenewals, refusals to insure, and increased premiums resulted from insurers use of wildfire risk models that do not account for wildfire risk reduction or home hardening measures completed by the homeowner or community.
(e)On September 21, 2023, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order No. N-13-23 asking the Insurance Commissioner to take prompt regulatory action to strengthen and stabilize Californias marketplace for homeowners insurance and commercial property insurance, including maintaining the long-term availability of homeowners and commercial property insurance coverage.
(f)Regular review of and updates to the Department of Insurances Safer from Wildfires regulations will advance these goals. The Safer from Wildfires regulations incentivize homeowners to invest in specified wildfire risk reduction and home hardening measures by requiring admitted insurers to reflect and take into account these measures in their ratings plans. The voluntary home hardening measures included in the Safer from Wildfires regulations provide a higher level of fire protection than what is otherwise required by state law and help contain the spread of wildfires, reduce property damage, save lives, and encourage insurance companies to remain committed to the California insurance market.
(g)It is the intent of the Legislature to further incentivize homeowners to invest in demonstrably effective home hardening measures by requiring the Department of Insurance to periodically review its Safer from Wildfires regulations and consider whether or not to amend the regulations to include additional communitywide mitigation programs and building hardening measures, including use of specified noncombustible construction materials that are included by the Office of the State Fire Marshal on the Building Materials Listing. Noncombustible construction materials, as defined by the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), provide the highest level of fire safety among materials included on the Building Materials Listing because these materials do not ignite, even when exposed to high temperatures for extended periods of time. Use of noncombustible construction materials is an effective means of reducing fire-related property damage and the contribution of structures to the spread of wildfires.
(h)The Building Materials Listing includes construction materials that have been tested and analyzed by a laboratory accredited by the Office of the State Fire Marshal to confirm the materials meet established performance and reliability features.
2096.For purposes of this article:
(a)Building Materials Listing means the list of construction materials and equipment biennially prepared by the Office of the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13144.1 of the Health and Safety Code as part of the Office of the State Fire Marshals Building Materials Listing Program.
(b)Safer from Wildfires regulations means the regulations set forth in Section 2644.9 of Title 10 of California Code of Regulations.
2097.(a)(1)On or before January 1, 2030, and every five years thereafter, the department shall consider whether to update the Safer from Wildfires regulations to include additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs.
(2)If the department updates the Safer from Wildfires regulations, it shall, as a part of its first consideration, consider whether to update these regulations to include in the regulations the installation of construction materials included by the Office of the State Fire Marshal on the Building Materials Listing or in compliance with the most recent provisions of Chapter 7A of the California Building Standards Code.
(b)As part of its consideration pursuant to subdivision (a), the department shall do both of the following:
(1)Consult with the Office of Emergency Services, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Public Utilities Commission, and the Office of Planning and Research to identify additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs to consider.
(2)Consult with relevant stakeholders to consider potential revisions to the Safer from Wildfires regulations.
(3)Develop and implement a process that allows for meaningful public participation that includes, at a minimum, all of the following:
(A)Holding at least one public meeting to allow interested persons to submit suggestions for additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs for the department to consider.
(B)Making available for public review and comment, including during at least one public meeting, a preliminary list of building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs being considered by the department for inclusion in the Safer from Wildfires regulations.
(C)Making available to the public a final list of building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs the department proposes to include in the list of building hardening measures identified in the Safer from Wildfires regulations before amending the regulations pursuant to the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
(c)If the department makes public a final list of building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs to be included in the list of building hardening measures identified in the Safer from Wildfires regulations pursuant to subparagraph (C) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), the department shall initiate the Administrative Procedure Act rulemaking process to amend the Safer from Wildfires regulations within 30 days of publishing the final list.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)More than 2,000,000 California households, or approximately one in four residential structures in California, are located within or near high or very high fire hazard severity zones. These households are particularly vulnerable to increasingly catastrophic wildfires that pose urgent threats to lives, property, and resources in California.
(b)The state has invested nearly three billion dollars ($3,000,000,000) since the Budget Act of 2019 into programs and projects to improve forest health and resilience, create fuel breaks, harden homes and communities, and build resilient lifeline infrastructure to withstand wildfire disasters when they do occur.
(c)Chapter 391 of the Statutes of 2019, which created the California Wildfire Mitigation Program jointly administered by the Office of Emergency Services and the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, recognized that California must develop statewide options to encourage cost-effective structure hardening to create fire-resistant homes, businesses, and public buildings within wildfire hazard areas and with a focus on vulnerable communities.
(d)State support for home hardening incentive programs is especially critical now. California residents are finding homeowners insurance in very high risk fire areas to be increasingly difficult and costly to obtain, if coverage is even available. The Department of Insurance determined that the majority of nonrenewals, refusals to insure, and increased premiums resulted from insurers use of wildfire risk models that do not account for wildfire risk reduction or home hardening measures completed by the homeowner or community.
(e)On September 21, 2023, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order No. N-13-23 asking the Insurance Commissioner to take prompt regulatory action to strengthen and stabilize Californias marketplace for homeowners insurance and commercial property insurance, including maintaining the long-term availability of homeowners and commercial property insurance coverage.
(f)Regular review of and updates to the Department of Insurances Safer from Wildfires regulations will advance these goals. The Safer from Wildfires regulations incentivize homeowners to invest in specified wildfire risk reduction and home hardening measures by requiring admitted insurers to reflect and take into account these measures in their ratings plans. The voluntary home hardening measures included in the Safer from Wildfires regulations provide a higher level of fire protection than what is otherwise required by state law and help contain the spread of wildfires, reduce property damage, save lives, and encourage insurance companies to remain committed to the California insurance market.
(g)It is the intent of the Legislature to further incentivize homeowners to invest in demonstrably effective home hardening measures by requiring the Department of Insurance to periodically review its Safer from Wildfires regulations and consider whether or not to amend the regulations to include additional communitywide mitigation programs and building hardening measures, including use of specified noncombustible construction materials that are included by the Office of the State Fire Marshal on the Building Materials Listing. Noncombustible construction materials, as defined by the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), provide the highest level of fire safety among materials included on the Building Materials Listing because these materials do not ignite, even when exposed to high temperatures for extended periods of time. Use of noncombustible construction materials is an effective means of reducing fire-related property damage and the contribution of structures to the spread of wildfires.
(h)The Building Materials Listing includes construction materials that have been tested and analyzed by a laboratory accredited by the Office of the State Fire Marshal to confirm the materials meet established performance and reliability features.
2096.For purposes of this article:
(a)Building Materials Listing means the list of construction materials and equipment biennially prepared by the Office of the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13144.1 of the Health and Safety Code as part of the Office of the State Fire Marshals Building Materials Listing Program.
(b)Safer from Wildfires regulations means the regulations set forth in Section 2644.9 of Title 10 of California Code of Regulations.
2097.(a)(1)On or before January 1, 2030, and every five years thereafter, the department shall consider whether to update the Safer from Wildfires regulations to include additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs.
(2)If the department updates the Safer from Wildfires regulations, it shall, as a part of its first consideration, consider whether to update these regulations to include in the regulations the installation of construction materials included by the Office of the State Fire Marshal on the Building Materials Listing or in compliance with the most recent provisions of Chapter 7A of the California Building Standards Code.
(b)As part of its consideration pursuant to subdivision (a), the department shall do both of the following:
(1)Consult with the Office of Emergency Services, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Public Utilities Commission, and the Office of Planning and Research to identify additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs to consider.
(2)Consult with relevant stakeholders to consider potential revisions to the Safer from Wildfires regulations.
(3)Develop and implement a process that allows for meaningful public participation that includes, at a minimum, all of the following:
(A)Holding at least one public meeting to allow interested persons to submit suggestions for additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs for the department to consider.
(B)Making available for public review and comment, including during at least one public meeting, a preliminary list of building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs being considered by the department for inclusion in the Safer from Wildfires regulations.
(C)Making available to the public a final list of building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs the department proposes to include in the list of building hardening measures identified in the Safer from Wildfires regulations before amending the regulations pursuant to the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
(c)If the department makes public a final list of building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs to be included in the list of building hardening measures identified in the Safer from Wildfires regulations pursuant to subparagraph (C) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), the department shall initiate the Administrative Procedure Act rulemaking process to amend the Safer from Wildfires regulations within 30 days of publishing the final list.
CORRECTIONS: HeadingLine 2. REVISIONS: HeadingLine 2.|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Oct 9, 2025 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 472, Statutes of 2025. |
| Oct 9, 2025 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Sep 23, 2025 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m. |
| Sep 12, 2025 | In Assembly. Ordered to Engrossing and Enrolling. |
| Sep 11, 2025 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 2886.). |
| Sep 3, 2025 | Ordered to third reading. |
| Sep 3, 2025 | From special consent calendar. |
| Sep 2, 2025 | Ordered to special consent calendar. |
| Aug 29, 2025 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| Aug 29, 2025 | From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (August 29). |
| Aug 18, 2025 | In committee: Referred to suspense file. |
| Jul 9, 2025 | In committee: Hearing postponed by committee. |
| Jun 25, 2025 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (June 25). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jun 11, 2025 | Referred to Com. on INS. |
| Jun 3, 2025 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| Jun 2, 2025 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 79. Noes 0. Page 1815.) |
| May 27, 2025 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| May 23, 2025 | From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (May 23). |
| Apr 23, 2025 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file. |
| Apr 2, 2025 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 17. Noes 0.) (April 2). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Apr 2, 2025 | Coauthors revised. |
| Feb 3, 2025 | Referred to Com. on INS. |
| Dec 3, 2024 | From printer. May be heard in committee January 2. |
| Dec 2, 2024 | Read first time. To print. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 11, 2025 | Assembly 3rd Reading AB1 Connolly et al. By Allen | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Aug 29, 2025 | Do pass | Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Aug 18, 2025 | Placed on suspense file | Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Jun 25, 2025 | Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Senate Standing Committee on Insurance |
Passed |
|
| Jun 2, 2025 | AB 1 Connolly Assembly Third Reading | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 23, 2025 | Do pass. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Apr 2, 2025 | Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] | Assembly Standing Committee on Insurance |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| AARP | ** Support | |
| Arab American Family Services | ** Support | |
| BEVERLY HILLS; CITY OF | ** Support | |
| California Apartment Association | ** Support | |
| California Association Of Realtors | ** Support | |
| California Community Foundation | ** Support | |
| CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTION & INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS ASSOCIATION | ** Support | |
| California Democratic Party Rural Caucus | ** Support | |
| California Environmental Voters | ** Support | |
| California State Association Of Counties | ** Support | |
| City Of Beverly Hills | ** Support | |
| City of Los Alamitos | ** Support | |
| City of Moorpark | ** Support | |
| city of paramount | ** Support | |
| City of San Luis Obispo | ** Support | |
| City of Thousand Oaks | ** Support | |
| County of Monterey | ** Support | |
| County of Riverside Board of Supervisors | ** Support | |
| Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara / California Department of Insurance | ** Support | |
| LAFAYETTE; CITY OF | ** Support | |
| League Of California Cities | ** Support | |
| Little Hoover Commission | ** Support | |
| Little Hoover Commission (org & Economy Comm.) | ** Support | |
| Los Angeles County Division, League of California Cities | ** Support | |
| Mayor's and Councilmembers' Association of Sonoma County Legislative Committee | ** Support | |
| North American Insulation Manufacturers Association | ** Support | |
| Northern California Youth Policy Coalition | ** Support | |
| ORINDA; CITY OF | ** Support | |
| Paradise; Town of | ** Support | |
| Personal Insurance Federation Of California | ** Support | |
| Rural County Representatives of California | ** Support | |
| San Bernardino County | ** Support | |
| SAN DIEGO; COUNTY OF | ** Support | |
| SAN RAFAEL/MARIN COUNTY COUNCIL OF MAYORS & COUNCIL MEMBERS; CITY OF | ** Support | |
| Town of Hillsborough | ** Support | |
| United Policyholders | ** Support | |
| USGBC California | ** Support |
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB 1 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: AB 1
Author: Connolly (D), et al.
Introduced: 12/2/24
Vote: 21
SENATE INSURANCE COMMITTEE: 7-0, 6/25/25
AYES: Rubio, Niello, Becker, Caballero, Jones, Padilla, Wahab
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 8/29/25
AYES: Caballero, Seyarto, Cabaldon, Dahle, Grayson, Richardson, Wahab
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 79-0, 6/2/25 - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: Residential property insurance: wildfire risk
SOURCE: Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara/California Department of Insurance
DIGEST:
This bill requires, by January 1, 2030, and every five years thereafter, the Department of Insurance (CDI) to consider whether to update the Safer from Wildfires regulations to include additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and community-wide wildfire mitigation programs.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Establishes the “Safer from Wildfires” Framework within the California Code of Regulations, with the goal of reducing wildfire risk and making homes and businesses more resilient to wildfires.
- Requires the State Fire Marshal biennially to prepare and publish listings of construction materials and equipment, and methods of construction, and of installation of equipment, together with the name of any person, firm, corporation, association, or similar organization designated as the manufacturer, representative, or supplier, which are in conformity with building standards relating to fire and panic safety adopted and published in the State Building Standards Code.
This bill:
- States that CDI must consider by January 1, 2030, and every five years thereafter, whether to update the Safer from Wildfires regulations to include additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and community-wide mitigation programs.
- Requires CDI to consult with the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and Office of Planning and Research (OPR) to identify additional building hardening measures to consider as part of CDI's evaluation.
- Requires CDI to develop and implement a public participation process as part of its consideration. The process must include holding at least one public meeting to solicit suggestions for additional building hardening measures, and making a preliminary list of measures available for public review and comment during another additional public meeting.
- States that if CDI updates the Safer from Wildfires regulations, it must consider whether to update these regulations to include the installation of construction materials included by the Office of the State Fire Marshal on the Building Materials Listing or in compliance with the most recent provisions of Chapter 7A of the California Building Standards Code.
- Requires, if CDI's consideration results in a final list of building hardening measures to adopt, CDI to initiate the Administrative Procedure Act process and amend the Safer from Wildfires regulations within 30 days of publishing the final list.
- Makes findings and declarations regarding the intent of the Legislature to incentivize homeowners to invest in demonstrably effective home hardening measures.
Background
Safer From Wildfires Framework. Announced in 2022 by CDI and instituted in regulations, the Safer from Wildfires Framework directs insurers to provide discounts to consumers and businesses if they take specified mitigation measures. To produce this regulation, CDI worked with emergency preparedness agencies in the Governor’s Administration, including CAL FIRE, Cal OES, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, and the California Public Utilities Commission. The Framework is founded on a “ground-up” approach for wildfire resilience with three layers of protection for the structure, the immediate surroundings, and the community. Insurance companies operating in California must recognize and offer discounts to homeowners and businesses that undertake wildfire mitigation efforts as part of the state's Safer from Wildfires Framework. Insurance companies must also provide consumers with their property’s “wildfire risk score” and a right to appeal that score.
Related/Prior Legislation
SB 616 (Rubio, Cortese, Stern). Would create an independent Community Hardening Commission within the Department of Insurance, with the goals of developing a unified and centralized fire mitigation standard for all levels of government across the state, as well as generating guidelines to enable the creation of a wildfire data sharing platform. This bill is pending in Assembly Emergency Management Committee.
AB 888 (Calderon) of the current legislative session. Would establish the California Safe Homes Grant Program to be developed by CDI to reduce local and statewide wildfire losses by encouraging mitigation.
AB 2416 (Connolly, 2024). Would have required, by January 1, 2030, and every five years thereafter, CDI to consider whether to update the Safer from Wildfires regulations to include certain building hardening measures. This measure is identical to AB 1. This bill died on the Senate Inactive File.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No
According to the Senate Appropriations Committee:
“The CDI estimates costs of approximately $131,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27, $279,000 in FY 2027-28, $52,000 in FY 2028-29, $523,000 in FY 2029-30, and $1.03 million in FY 2030-31 and every five years ongoing (Insurance Fund).
The Office of Emergency Services (OES) does not anticipate a direct fiscal impact from this bill; however, notes that there may be unknown costs associated with incorporating updated SWRs into the California Wildfire Mitigation Program (CWMP) and Hazard Mitigation Home Hardening grant programs.
The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) does not anticipate a fiscal impact.
The Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (referred to in the bill as the Office of Planning and Research (OPR)) notes its current consultation role to be absorbable within existing resources.”
SUPPORT: (Verified 8/29/25)
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara/California Department of Insurance (Source)
AARP
Arab American Family Services
Beverly Hills; City of
California Apartment Association
California Association of Realtors
California Community Foundation
California Construction & Industrial Materials Association
California Environmental Voters
California State Association of Counties
California Democratic Party Rural Caucus
City of Beverly Hills
City of Los Alamitos
City of Moorpark
City of Paramount
City of San Luis Obispo
City of Thousand Oaks
County of Monterey
County of Riverside Board of Supervisors
East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments
James Hardie
Lafayette; City of
League of California Cities
Little Hoover Commission (org & Economy Comm.)
Los Angeles County Division, League of California Cities
Mayor's and Councilmembers' Association of Sonoma County Legislative Committee
North American Insulation Manufacturers Association
Northern California Youth Policy Coalition
Orinda; City of
Paradise; Town of
Personal Insurance Federation of California
Rural County Representatives of California
San Bernardino County
San Diego; County of
San Rafael/Marin County Council of Mayors & Council Members; City of
Town of Hillsborough
United Policyholders
USGBC California
OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/29/25)
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT:
According to the sponsor, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara:
“The wildfire crisis has brought sadness and challenges to countless families and communities. Right now, my primary focus is on safeguarding Californians. My “Safer from Wildfires” regulations - a first-in-the-nation insurance framework incorporating wildfire safety measures, in collaboration with the Governor’s Administration - were based on direct firsthand experience from first responders, fire safety experts, and wildfire researchers. These regulations, as part of my broader effort to protect consumers from climate change-intensified wildfires and a precursor to my Sustainable Insurance Strategy, outline practical actions to reduce risk for property owners, including community-wide safety recommendations to prevent wildfire spread.
The requirements proposed in AB 1 align with the approach that my Department staff and I initially took in developing the “Safer from Wildfires” regulations and any subsequent approach that my Department would naturally do when these regulations are considered for update. I believe introducing regular checkpoints for reviewing and updating these regulations would ensure that these regulations stay current with the latest fire safety research and collected data, while continuing long-standing interagency coordination as it relates to sharing and coordinating wildfire knowledge and data.”
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 79-0, 6/2/25
AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Celeste Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas
Prepared by: Brandon Seto / INS. / (916) 651-4110
8/29/25 20:47:10
**** END ****
SENATE COMMITTEE ON
Senator Anna Caballero, Chair
2025 - 2026 Regular Session
AB 1 (Connolly) - Residential property insurance: wildfire risk
Version: | Policy Vote: |
Urgency: | Mandate: |
Hearing Date: | Consultant: |
Bill Summary:
AB 1 requires the California Department of Insurance (CDI) to consider updating the Safer from Wildfires regulations (SWRs) to include additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs, as specified.
Fiscal Impact:
- The CDI estimates costs of approximately $131,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27, $279,000 in FY 2027-28, $52,000 in FY 2028-29, $523,000 in FY 2029-30, and $1.03 million in FY 2030-31 and every five years ongoing (Insurance Fund).
- The Office of Emergency Services (OES) does not anticipate a direct fiscal impact from this bill; however, notes that there may be unknown costs associated with incorporating updated SWRs into the California Wildfire Mitigation Program (CWMP) and Hazard Mitigation Home Hardening grant programs.
- The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) does not anticipate a fiscal impact.
- The Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (referred to in the bill as the Office of Planning and Research (OPR)) notes its current consultation role to be absorbable within existing resources.
Background:
California Safer from Wildfires is a comprehensive, multi-agency initiative established to enhance wildfire safety and preparedness. In October 2019, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara convened a virtual investigatory hearing to initiate a series of regulatory actions aimed at protecting residents from the increasing risk of wildfires. In October 2022, Commissioner Lara launched the SWRs, which requires insurance companies to provide discounts to consumers and businesses if they take specified mitigation measures. The regulation is currently state law, and involves collaboration among several state agencies, including CAL FIRE, Public Utilities Commission (PUC), OES, and CDI.
Proposed Law:
- By January 1, 2030 and every five years thereafter, requires CDI to consider whether to update the SWRs to include additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs.
- In its consideration, requires CDI to consult with OES, CAL FIRE, the Public Utilities Commission, and OPR; consult with relevant stakeholders; and develop and implement a process that allows for meaningful public participation, as specified.
- If CDI updates the SWRs, requires the department to consider updating the regulations to include the installation of construction materials included by the SFM on the Building Material Listing or in compliance with the most recent California Buildings Standards Code.
- If CDI makes a final list of building hardening measures available, requires the SWRs to include these building hardening measurers, as specified.
- Defines “Building Materials Listing” as the list of construction materials and equipment biennially prepared by the SFM’s Building Materials Listing Program.
- Defines “Safer from Wildfires regulations” as the regulations set forth by California Code of Regulations Section 2644.9.
- States legislative findings and declarations.
Related Legislation:
AB 2416 (Connolly, 2024) was substantially similar to this bill and would have also required CDI to consider updating the SWRs to include additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and communitywide wildfire mitigation programs. AB 2416 died on the Senate Inactive File.
-- END --
SENATE COMMITTEE ON INSURANCE
Senator Susan Rubio, Chair
2025 - 2026 Regular
Bill No: AB 1 Hearing Date: June 25, 2025
Author: | Connolly | ||
Version: | December 2, 2024 Introduced | ||
Urgency: | No | Fiscal: | Yes |
Consultant: | Brandon Seto | ||
SUBJECT: Residential property insurance: wildfire risk
DIGEST:
Requires, by January 1, 2030, and every five years thereafter, the Department of Insurance (CDI) to consider whether to update the Safer from Wildfires regulations to include additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and community-wide wildfire mitigation programs.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Establishes the “Safer from Wildfires” Framework within the California Code of Regulations, with the goal of reducing wildfire risk and making homes and businesses more resilient to wildfires.
- Requires the State Fire Marshal biennially to prepare and publish listings of construction materials and equipment, and methods of construction, and of installation of equipment, together with the name of any person, firm, corporation, association, or similar organization designated as the manufacturer, representative, or supplier, which are in conformity with building standards relating to fire and panic safety adopted and published in the State Building Standards Code.
This bill:
- States that CDI must consider by January 1, 2030, and every five years thereafter, whether to update the Safer from Wildfires regulations to include additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and community-wide mitigation programs.
- Requires CDI to consult with the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and Office of Planning and Research (OPR) to identify additional building hardening measures to consider as part of CDI's evaluation.
- Requires CDI to develop and implement a public participation process as part of its consideration. The process must include holding at least one public meeting to solicit suggestions for additional building hardening measures, and making a preliminary list of measures available for public review and comment during another additional public meeting.
- States that if CDI updates the Safer from Wildfires regulations, it must consider whether to update these regulations to include the installation of construction materials included by the Office of the State Fire Marshal on the Building Materials Listing or in compliance with the most recent provisions of Chapter 7A of the California Building Standards Code.
- Requires, if CDI's consideration results in a final list of building hardening measures to adopt, CDI to initiate the Administrative Procedure Act process and amend the Safer from Wildfires regulations within 30 days of publishing the final list.
- Makes findings and declarations regarding the intent of the Legislature to incentivize homeowners to invest in demonstrably effective home hardening measures.
Background
According to the Author:
“As the Legislature, Governor, and the Department of Insurance work to solve California’s home insurance crisis, we must focus on providing real benefits and incentives to those who are working their hardest to keep their homes and families safe from wildfires. As new and safer building materials come to market and wildfire prevention methods evolve, it is important that we periodically revisit the regulations and evaluate if they capture the best mitigation practices available and if the regulations are offering as much relief as possible to the people who are doing the right thing. This bill represents a reasonable step the Legislature can take to help consumers save money on their insurance bills and reduce the risk of disaster for vulnerable communities and the families that live there.”
Safer From Wildfires Framework
Announced in 2022 by CDI and instituted in regulations, the Safer from Wildfires Framework directs insurers to provide discounts to consumers and businesses if they take specified mitigation measures. To produce this regulation, CDI worked with emergency preparedness agencies in the Governor’s Administration, including CAL FIRE, Cal OES, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, and the California Public Utilities Commission. The Framework is founded on a “ground-up” approach for wildfire resilience with three layers of protection for the structure, the immediate surroundings, and the community.
Insurance companies operating in California must recognize and offer discounts to homeowners and businesses that undertake wildfire mitigation efforts as part of the state's Safer from Wildfires Framework. Insurance companies must also provide consumers with their property’s “wildfire risk score” and a right to appeal that score. The specific mitigation measures that may be taken include:
- Class-A fire-rated roof: Roofs that qualify include asphalt shingles, concrete, brick, or masonry tiles, and metal shingles or sheets.
- Five-foot ember-resistant zone: Removing greenery and replacing wood chips with stone or decomposed granite five feet around the home helps prevents fire from reaching the home.
- Ember- and fire-resistant vents: Installing 1/16 to 1/8 inch non-combustible, corrosion-resistant metal mesh screens over exterior vents can keep wind-blown embers out of the house.
- Non-combustible area six inches at the bottom of exterior walls: Having a minimum of six vertical inches measured from the ground up, and from any attached horizontal surface, like a deck, can stop embers from accumulating and igniting the walls. Non-combustible materials include brick, stone, fiber-cement siding, or concrete.
- Enclosed eaves to prevent heat and embers from getting trapped and igniting.
- Upgraded windows: Multi-paned windows are more resistant to breaking during a wildfire, which helps keep flames from entering. Multi-paned glass or added shutters all qualify.
- Cleared vegetation, weeds, and debris from under decks: Non-combustible materials like concrete, gravel, or bare soil are permitted.
- Removal of combustible sheds and other outbuildings to a distance of at least 30 feet: These include sheds, gazebos, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), covered structures with a solid roof, dog houses, and playhouses.
- Defensible space compliance: Following state and local laws requiring defensible space, including trimming trees and removing of brush and debris from yards.
- Being safer together: Safer from Wildfires recognizes two community-wide programs, Firewise USA and Fire Risk Reduction. Communities as small as eight dwelling units or as big as 2,500 can create a mitigation action plan.
Chapter 7A of the California Building Standards Code
This is California’s Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) building code which establishes the minimum standards for the protection of life and property applicable to building materials, systems and/or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new buildings located within a WUI Area.
State Fire Marshal's Building Materials Listing Program
Initially established to mandate approval and listing of fire alarm systems and devices before their sale or marketing in the state. Over time, it expanded to include various materials, such as roof coverings, wall assemblies, hardware, and more. Product approval involves rigorous testing, and companies must utilize laboratories accredited by the State Fire Marshal for testing in order to list products in California. The State Fire Marshal listing service provides information to building authorities, architects, engineers, contractors, and the fire service.
Related/Prior Legislation
SB 616 (Rubio, Cortese, Stern): Would create an independent Community Hardening Commission within the Department of Insurance, with the goals of developing a unified and centralized fire mitigation standard for all levels of government across the state, as well as generating guidelines to enable the creation of a wildfire data sharing platform. This bill is pending in Assembly Emergency Management Committee.
AB 888 (Calderon): Establishes the California Safe Homes Grant Program to be developed by CDI to reduce local and statewide wildfire losses by encouraging mitigation. This bill is pending in Senate Insurance Committee.
AB 2416 (Connolly, 2024): Would have required, by January 1, 2030, and every five years thereafter, CDI to consider whether to update the Safer from Wildfires regulations to include certain building hardening measures. This measure is identical to AB 1. This bill died on the Senate Inactive File.
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT:
According to the sponsor, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara:
“The wildfire crisis has brought sadness and challenges to countless families and communities. Right now, my primary focus is on safeguarding Californians. My “Safer from Wildfires” regulations - a first-in-the-nation insurance framework incorporating wildfire safety measures, in collaboration with the Governor’s Administration - were based on direct firsthand experience from first responders, fire safety experts, and wildfire researchers. These regulations, as part of my broader effort to protect consumers from climate change-intensified wildfires and a precursor to my Sustainable Insurance Strategy, outline practical actions to reduce risk for property owners, including community-wide safety recommendations to prevent wildfire spread.
The requirements proposed in AB 1 align with the approach that my Department staff and I initially took in developing the “Safer from Wildfires” regulations and any subsequent approach that my Department would naturally do when these regulations are considered for update. I believe introducing regular checkpoints for reviewing and updating these regulations would ensure that these regulations stay current with the latest fire safety research and collected data, while continuing long-standing interagency coordination as it relates to sharing and coordinating wildfire knowledge and data.”
ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION:
None received.
SUPPORT:
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara / California Department of Insurance (Sponsor)
AARP
Beverly Hills; City of
California Apartment Association
California Association of Realtors
California Construction & Industrial Materials Association
California Environmental Voters (formerly CLCV)
California State Association of Counties (CSAC)
California Democratic Party Rural Caucus
City of Beverly Hills
City of Los Alamitos
City of Moorpark
City of Paramount
City of San Luis Obispo
City of Thousand Oaks
County of Monterey
County of Riverside Board of Supervisors
Lafayette; City of
League of California Cities
Little Hoover Commission
Los Angeles County Division, League of California Cities
Mayor's and Councilmembers' Association of Sonoma County Legislative Committee
North American Insulation Manufacturers Association
Northern California Youth Policy Coalition
Orinda; City of
Paradise; Town of
Personal Insurance Federation of California
Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC)
San Bernardino County
San Rafael/Marin County Council of Mayors & Council Members; City of
United Policyholders
U.S. Green Building Council California
OPPOSITION:
None.
-- END --
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
ATR Bill Id:AB 1
Author:(Connolly)
As Introduced Ver:December 2, 2024
Majority vote
SUMMARY
Requires, by January 1, 2030, and every five years thereafter, the California Department of Insurance (CDI) to consider whether to update the Safer from Wildfires regulations to include certain building hardening measures.
Major Provisions
- Requires CDI to consider whether to update the Safer from Wildfires regulations to include additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and community-wide mitigation programs.
- Requires CDI to consult with the Office of Emergency Services (OES), Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and Office of Planning and Research (OPR) to identify additional building hardening measures to consider as part of CDI's evaluation.
- Requires CDI to develop and implement a meaningful public participation process as part of CDI's consideration. The process must include at least one public meeting to solicit suggestions for additional building hardening measures and making a preliminary list of measures available for public review and comment during another public meeting.
- Requires, if CDI's consideration results in a final list of building hardening measures to adopt, CDI to initiate the Administrative Procedure Act process and amend the Safer from Wildfires regulations within 30 days of publishing the final list.
COMMENTS
CDI Safer from Wildfires Framework: In 2022, CDI announced the "Safer from Wildfires" framework, which directs insurers to provide discounts to consumers and businesses if they take specified mitigation measures. In crafting this regulation, CDI worked with emergency preparedness agencies in the Governor's Administration, including CAL FIRE, Cal OES, the Governor's Office of Planning and Research, and the California Public Utilities Commission.
The framework provides a list of home and community wildfire mitigation measures that consumers and businesses can take to provide protection for the structure, the immediate surroundings, and the community. Under the regulation, the more "Safer from Wildfires" steps a consumer takes, the more they may be able to save on their insurance.
The regulation required insurance companies to submit new rate filings incorporating the wildfire safety standards created by CDI, and also requires insurance companies to provide consumers with their property's "wildfire risk score" and a right to appeal that score. Steps a consumer can take to help mitigate their property under this framework include:
- Class-A fire rated roof: Most roofs qualify, including asphalt shingles, concrete, brick, or masonry tiles, and metal shingles or sheets.
- Five-foot ember resistant zone, including fencing: Removing greenery and replacing wood chips with stone or decomposed granite five feet around the home prevents fire from getting a foot in the door.
- Ember- and fire-resistant vents: Installing 1/16 to 1/8 inch noncombustible, corrosion-resistant metal mesh screens over exterior vents can keep wind-blown embers out of the house.
- Non-combustible six inches at the bottom of exterior walls: Having a minimum of six vertical inches measured from the ground up and from any attached horizontal surface like a deck can stop embers from accumulating and igniting the walls. Noncombustible materials include brick, stone, fiber-cement siding or concrete.
- Enclosed eaves: Installing soffits under your eaves can prevent heat and embers from getting trapped and igniting. When enclosing eaves, non-combustible or ignition resistant materials are recommended.
- Upgraded windows: Multi-paned windows are more resistant to breaking during a wildfire, which helps keep flames from entering. Multi-paned glass or added shutters all qualify.
- Cleared vegetation, weeds and debris from under decks: Noncombustible materials like concrete, gravel, or bare soil are permitted.
- Removal of combustible sheds and other outbuildings to at least a distance of 30 feet: These include sheds, gazebos, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and open covered structures with a solid roof, dog houses and playhouses.
- Defensible space compliance: Following state and local laws requiring defensible space including trimming trees and removal of brush and debris from yard.
- Being safer together: Safer from Wildfires recognizes two community-wide programs, Firewise USA and Fire Risk Reduction Communities as small as eight dwelling units or as big as 2,500 can create an action plan and start being safer together.
Wildfire Mitigation Partnership Summary Document (ca.gov) is an important document to review, as it relates to this measure and goes into great detail about the process CDI went through to create the Safer from Wildfire framework.
According to the Author
According to the author, "As the Legislature, Governor, and the Department of Insurance work to solve California's home insurance crisis, we must focus on providing real benefits and incentives to those who are working their hardest to keep their homes and families safe from wildfires. As new and safer building materials come to market and wildfire prevention methods evolve, it is important that we periodically revisit the regulations and evaluate if they capture the best mitigation practices available and if the regulations are offering as much relief as possible to the people who are doing the right thing. This bill represents a reasonable step the Legislature can take to help consumers save money on their insurance bills and reduce the risk of disaster for vulnerable communities and the families that live there."
Arguments in Support
According to California's Insurance Commissioner, Ricardo Lara, "The requirements proposed in AB 1 align with the approach that my Department staff and I initially took in developing the "Safer from Wildfires" regulations and any subsequent approach that my Department would naturally do when these regulations are considered for update. I believe introducing regular checkpoints for reviewing and updating these regulations would ensure that these regulations stay current with the latest fire safety research and collected data, while continuing long-standing interagency coordination as it relates to sharing and coordinating wildfire knowledge and data."
Arguments in Opposition
None on file.
FISCAL COMMENTS
According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, costs totaling approximately $1 million every five years to CDI to undertake the prescribed consideration process (Insurance Fund). Although this bill allows CDI to determine to not update the Safer from Wildfires regulations, if CDI determines to update the regulations every five years, CDI would need additional staff positions and resources to review building hardening measures and implement a meaningful public participation process. Minor and absorbable costs to OES, CAL FIRE, PUC, and OPR to consult with CDI on additional building hardening measures.
VOTES
ASM INSURANCE: 17-0-0
YES: Calderon, Wallis, Addis, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Berman, Chen, Ellis, Gipson, Hadwick, Harabedian, Krell, Nguyen, Ortega, Petrie-Norris, Michelle Rodriguez, Valencia
ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 14-0-1
YES: Wicks, Arambula, Calderon, Caloza, Dixon, Elhawary, Fong, Mark González, Hart, Pacheco, Pellerin, Solache, Ta, Tangipa
ABS, ABST OR NV: Sanchez
UPDATED
VERSION: December 2, 2024
CONSULTANT: Kathleen O'Malley / INS. / (916) 319-2086 FN: 0000500
Date of Hearing: April 23, 2025
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Buffy Wicks, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1
Author:(Connolly) – As Introduced Ver:December 2, 2024
Policy Committee: | Insurance | Vote: | 17 - 0 |
|
| ||
|
|
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill requires, by January 1, 2030, and every five years thereafter, the Department of Insurance (CDI) to consider whether to update the Safer from Wildfires regulations to include certain building hardening measures.
Specifically, this bill:
- Requires CDI to consider whether to update the Safer from Wildfires regulations to include additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and community-wide wildfire mitigation programs. If CDI decides to update the regulations, CDI’s first consideration must be whether to update regulations to include the installation of construction materials on the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s (SFM’s) Building Materials Listing (BML) or in compliance with the most recent provisions of the California Building Standard Code (Code) Chapter 7A.
- Requires CDI to consult with the Office of Emergency Services (OES), Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and Office of Planning and Research (OPR) to identify additional building hardening measures to consider.
- Requires CDI to develop and implement a meaningful public participation process that includes at least one public meeting to solicit suggestions for additional building hardening measures and making a preliminary list of measures available for public review and comment during another public meeting.
- If CDI’s consideration results in a final list of building hardening measures for inclusion in the regulations, requires CDI to initiate the Administrative Procedure Act process to amend the Safer from Wildfires regulations within 30 days of publishing the final list.
FISCAL EFFECT:
- Costs totaling approximately $1 million every five years to CDI to undertake the prescribed consideration process (Insurance Fund). Although this bill allows CDI to determine to not update the Safer from Wildfires regulations, if CDI determines to update the regulations every five years, CDI would need additional staff positions and resources to review building hardening measures and implement a meaningful public participation process.
- Minor and absorbable costs to OES, CAL FIRE, PUC, and OPR to consult with CDI on additional building hardening measures.
COMMENTS:
- Purpose. According to the author:
As new and safer building materials come to market and wildfire prevention methods evolve, it is important that we periodically revisit the regulations and evaluate if they capture the best mitigation practices available and if the regulations are offering as much relief as possible to the people who are doing the right thing. This bill represents a reasonable step the Legislature can take to help consumers save money on their insurance bills and reduce the risk of disaster for vulnerable communities and the families that live there.
This bill is sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and supported by local government entities, the Personal Insurance Federation of California, United Policyholders, and other groups.
- Background.
Safer from Wildfires. The Safer from Wildfires framework (Framework) was created in February 2022 in partnership between CDI, OES, CAL FIRE, OPR, and PUC. The Framework provides a list of home and community wildfire mitigation measures that a consumer may take to protect a structure, immediate surroundings, and community, such as adopting a Class-A fire-rated roof, a five-foot ember resistant zone, ember- and fire-resistant vents, or upgraded windows. Under subsequent regulations proposed by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, which took effect on October 14, 2022, a consumer who adopts more Framework mitigation steps may save more money on insurance costs. Specifically, the regulations require insurance companies to submit new rate filings incorporating Framework standards and requires a wildfire risk model used in an insurer’s rating plan be provided to CDI as part of the insurer’s complete rate application.
SFM’s BML and Code Chapter 7A. The BML was initially established to approve fire alarm systems and devices before the sale or marketing of such systems in the state. Over time, the list expanded to include SFM-designated approvals of various other materials, such as roof coverings, wall assemblies, and hardware. Approval of BML products involves rigorous testing by an SFM-accredited laboratory. The BML is updated every two years and conveys essential information about a product to building authorities, architects, engineers, contractors, and the fire service.
Existing law requires the California Building Standards Commission to approve and adopt building standards and codify those standards in the Code, which must be published every three years. Code Chapter 7A, developed with the SFM, provides for ignition resistant construction standards in the wildland urban interface.
This bill requires CDI to consider, every five years, beginning January 1, 2030, whether to update the Safer from Wildfires regulations to include additional building hardening measures, such as the installation of BML construction materials or materials in compliance with Code Chapter 7A.
- Prior Legislation. AB 2416 (Connolly), of the 2023-24 Legislative Session, was identical to this bill. AB 2416 was ordered to the Senate Inactive File.
Analysis Prepared by: Irene Ho / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing: April 2, 2025
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON INSURANCE
Lisa Calderon, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1 (
Author:Connolly) – As Introduced Ver:December 2, 2024
SUBJECT: Residential property insurance: wildfire risk
SUMMARY: Requires, by January 1, 2030, and every five years thereafter, the Department of Insurance (CDI) to consider whether to update the Safer from Wildfires regulations to include certain building hardening measures. Specifically, this bill:
- Requires CDI to consider whether to update the Safer from Wildfires regulations to include additional building hardening measures for property-level mitigation efforts and community-wide mitigation programs.
- Requires CDI to consult with the Office of Emergency Services (OES), Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and Office of Planning and Research (OPR) to identify additional building hardening measures to consider as part of CDI's evaluation.
- Requires CDI to develop and implement a meaningful public participation process as part of CDI's consideration. The process must include at least one public meeting to solicit suggestions for additional building hardening measures and making a preliminary list of measures available for public review and comment during another public meeting.
- Requires, if CDI's consideration results in a final list of building hardening measures to adopt, CDI to initiate the Administrative Procedure Act process and amend the Safer from Wildfires regulations within 30 days of publishing the final list.
EXISTING LAW:
- Provides for the regulation of insurers, agents and brokers, and other insurance-like organizations by the Insurance Commissioner, and imposes a broad range of financial solvency, licensing, and market behavior requirements, as set forth in the Insurance Code.
- Establishes the “Safer from Wildfires” Framework. (Section 2644.9 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations)
- Requires the State Fire Marshal to biennially prepare and publish listings of construction materials and equipment and methods of construction and of installation of equipment, together with the name of any person, firm, corporation, association, or similar organization designated as the manufacturer, representative, or supplier, which are in conformity with building standards relating to fire and panic safety adopted and published in the State Building Standards Code. (Health and Safety Code, Section 13144.1)
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS:
- Purpose: According to the author, “ As the Legislature, Governor, and the Department of Insurance work to solve California’s home insurance crisis, we must focus on providing real benefits and incentives to those who are working their hardest to keep their homes and families safe from wildfires. As new and safer building materials come to market and wildfire prevention methods evolve, it is important that we periodically revisit the regulations and evaluate if they capture the best mitigation practices available and if the regulations are offering as much relief as possible to the people who are doing the right thing. This bill represents a reasonable step the Legislature can take to help consumers save money on their insurance bills and reduce the risk of disaster for vulnerable communities and the families that live there.”
- Background: CDI Safer from Wildfires Framework: In 2022, CDI announced the “Safer from Wildfires” framework, which directs insurers to provide discounts to consumers and businesses if they take specified mitigation measures. In crafting this regulation, CDI worked with emergency preparedness agencies in the Governor’s Administration, including CAL FIRE, Cal OES, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, and the California Public Utilities Commission.
The framework provides a list of home and community wildfire mitigation measures that consumers and businesses can take to provide protection for the structure, the immediate surroundings, and the community. Under the regulation, the more “Safer from Wildfires” steps a consumer takes, the more they may be able to save on their insurance.
The regulation required insurance companies to submit new rate filings incorporating the wildfire safety standards created by CDI, and also requires insurance companies to provide consumers with their property’s “wildfire risk score” and a right to appeal that score. Steps a consumer can take to help mitigate their property under this framework include:
- Class-A fire rated roof: Most roofs qualify, including asphalt shingles, concrete, brick, or masonry tiles, and metal shingles or sheets.
- 5-foot ember resistant zone, including fencing: Removing greenery and replacing wood chips with stone or decomposed granite 5 feet around the home prevents fire from getting a foot in the door.
- Ember- and fire-resistant vents: Installing 1/16 to 1/8 inch noncombustible, corrosion-resistant metal mesh screens over exterior vents can keep wind-blown embers out of the house.
- Non-combustible 6 inches at the bottom of exterior walls: Having a minimum of 6 vertical inches measured from the ground up and from any attached horizontal surface like a deck can stop embers from accumulating and igniting the walls. Noncombustible materials include brick, stone, fiber-cement siding or concrete.
- Enclosed eaves: Installing soffits under your eaves can prevent heat and embers from getting trapped and igniting. When enclosing eaves, non-combustible or ignition resistant materials are recommended.
- Upgraded windows: Multi-paned windows are more resistant to breaking during a wildfire, which helps keep flames from entering. Multi-paned glass or added shutters all qualify.
- Cleared vegetation, weeds and debris from under decks: Noncombustible materials like concrete, gravel, or bare soil are permitted.
- Removal of combustible sheds and other outbuildings to at least a distance of 30 feet: These include sheds, gazebos, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and open covered structures with a solid roof, dog houses and playhouses.
- Defensible space compliance: Following state and local laws requiring defensible space including trimming trees and removal of brush and debris from yard.
- Being safer together: Safer from Wildfires recognizes two community-wide programs, Firewise USA and Fire Risk Reduction Communities as small as 8 dwelling units or as big as 2,500 can create an action plan and start being safer together.
Wildfire Mitigation Partnership Summary Document (ca.gov) is an important document to review, as it relates to this measure and goes into great detail about the process CDI went through to create the Safer from Wildfire framework.
- Building materials listing: The State Fire Marshal's Building Materials Listing Program (BML) was initially established to mandate approval and listing of fire alarm systems and devices before their sale or marketing in the state. Over time, it expanded to include various materials, such as roof coverings, wall assemblies, hardware, and more. Product approval involves rigorous testing, and companies must utilize SFM accredited laboratories for testing to list products in California. The SFM listing service provides essential information to building authorities, architects, engineers, contractors, and the fire service. This list is updated every two years.
- California Wildfire Mitigation Program: In 2019, AB 38 (Wood), required Cal OES and Cal FIRE to establish a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to administer the California Wildfire Mitigation Program (CWMP). The purpose of the CWMP is to harden homes and establish defensible space in high risk, socially vulnerable communities; and provide financial assistance for low- and moderate-income households. These efforts encourage cost-effective wildfire resilience and hazard mitigation measures to create fire-resistant homes, businesses, public buildings, and public spaces.
- Previous Legislation: AB 2416 ((Connolly) 2024 Legislative Year) would have required, by January 1, 2030, and every five years thereafter, CDI to consider whether to update the Safer from Wildfires regulations to include certain building hardening measures. This measure is the exact same as what is in AB 1. AB 2416 was moved to the inactive file by the State Senate.
- Related Legislation:
AB 888 (Calderon) would establish the California Safe Homes grant program to be developed by CDI to reduce local and statewide wildfire losses by encouraging mitigation. Pending before the Assembly Insurance Committee.
SB 616 (Rubio, Cortese & Stern) establishes the Community Hardening Commission within CDI. Pending before the Senate Insurance Committee.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
California Association of Realtors
California Environmental Voters (formerly CLCV)
California State Association of Counties
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara / California Department of Insurance
League of California Cities
Little Hoover Commission (org & Economy Comm.)
Los Angeles County Division, League of California Cities
Monterey, County of
North American Insulation Manufacturers Association
Northern California Youth Policy Coalition
Paradise; Town of
Personal Insurance Federation of California
Rural County Representatives of California
United Policyholders
Opposition
None on file.
Analysis Prepared by: Kathleen O'Malley / INS. / (916) 319-2086
Discussed in Hearing
4MIN
Senate Floor
1MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations
4MIN
Assembly Floor
11MIN
