State senators convened in Pasadena on Friday to unveil a comprehensive package of wildfire recovery legislation aimed at addressing the aftermath of recent devastating fires in Los Angeles County. The proposed suite of 13 bills is designed to support displaced renters, bolster firefighter staffing, and fund educational programs for K-12 students and community college students affected by the wildfires.
Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire (D-North Coast), speaking outside the Pasadena First United Methodist Church, emphasized the urgency of the situation, describing it as one of the most challenging times for the city and county of Los Angeles in nearly a century. The lawmakers pledged to prioritize the needs of those impacted by the wildfires that ravaged large areas of Los Angeles last month.
While the typical legislative timeline sees bills move to the Assembly in June and reach the governor’s desk by September, McGuire expressed his hope to expedite the process, aiming to push some of these bills through the Legislature and onto the governor’s desk within the next 60 days.
Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), who represents areas heavily affected by the fires, highlighted the intent of the legislation to mitigate future disasters and provide immediate relief to those suffering from the current crisis. Among the key proposals is a bill that would impose civil penalties to prevent price gouging for temporary housing and rentals, allowing the state attorney general to take action against violators.
Another significant measure aims to provide temporary mortgage relief for homeowners and enable tenants to recover a portion of their rent if they are forced to relocate due to the fires. Additionally, mobile homes in emergency-affected areas would be subject to temporary rent controls.
Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), chair of the Senate Insurance Committee, introduced a plan to establish a commission focused on centralizing wildfire mitigation efforts, ensuring that both homeowners and developers engage in building practices that enhance fire resistance.
McGuire also introduced the "Fight for Firefighters Act of 2025," which seeks to convert approximately 3,000 seasonal firefighters into year-round employees. The proposal, which could cost the state around $185 million annually, aims to ensure that firefighting resources are available year-round, reflecting the reality that wildfires do not adhere to seasonal patterns.
The legislative package also includes provisions to facilitate access to coastal development permits for building accessory dwelling units and create temporary eviction exemptions for those displaced by the fires. Moreover, it proposes extending the current one-year moratorium on non-renewal of insurance policies to include commercial policies, protecting small businesses and condominiums in wildfire-affected areas.
In addition to the Democratic initiatives, Republican lawmakers have introduced measures aimed at increasing penalties for looting and other criminal activities that have occurred during the wildfire emergencies. These proposals would classify certain crimes committed during large-scale disasters as felonies, including impersonating emergency personnel.
As California continues to grapple with the devastating impacts of wildfires, this legislative effort represents a critical step toward recovery and prevention, reflecting a unified commitment from state leaders to support affected communities and enhance the state’s resilience against future disasters.