California Lawmakers Introduce Multiple Relief Bills for Families Affected by Wildfires

Permit extended motel stays. Postpone mortgage payments. Eliminate permit restrictions. Prohibit low offers for damaged homes.

Distribute cash assistance.

These were some of the recommendations made by elected officials from California’s Assembly Democratic Party Caucus who met in Pasadena on January 16 to unveil new legislation aimed at aiding families impacted by the recent wildfires.

“California Assembly members stand with you,” stated Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur during his opening remarks. “This is one of the most devastating wildfires in California’s history, and we must act swiftly.”

Zbur mentioned a new law he co-authored with Speaker Robert Rivas, which aims to waive coastal development permit requirements for accessory dwelling units in Los Angeles County.

“This legislation addresses more than just the rebuilding of structures,” Zbur emphasized. “It’s about restoring stability, dignity, and hope for those who have lost so much.”

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Rivas assured that lawmakers are ready to act promptly to meet the needs of the affected individuals.

“If current laws are hindering relief efforts, we will work to eliminate those obstacles,” he said, stressing that legislators responsible for managing expenditures and resources will ensure accountability.

“Oversight is an essential part of our duties, ensuring the state’s response is effective for Los Angeles and does not squander resources or time,” Rivas stated.

He encouraged incoming President-elect Donald Trump to visit the affected areas, asserting that a collaborative partnership could significantly benefit thousands of Californians.

“Come to Los Angeles to witness the devastation firsthand,” Rivas said. “Let’s reconstruct this great American city together.”

Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor announced she is introducing a bill aimed at supporting families by allowing modifications to residential leases, which would permit tenants to welcome family members without breaching lease conditions.

Another piece of legislation she is authorizing prohibits unsolicited offers that fall below market value for properties in areas impacted by the fires and extends the time frame for sellers to rescind sales.

One representative, who serves a heavily affected region—Pacific Palisades and Malibu—and lost one of her Assembly satellite offices to the flames, noted that the devastation rendered the area “unrecognizable.”

“The Pacific Palisades Fire has left an apocalyptic landscape that resembles a war zone,” stated Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin.

She is collaborating with Assemblyman John Harabedian, who represents the significantly affected Altadena area, to draft two legislative measures.

“The Eaton Fire represents the most devastating disaster we could have envisioned,” he remarked. “It truly feels as though the communities of Altadena and Pacific Palisades have vanished as we once knew them, but this isn’t the conclusion of our journey.”

The new legislation aims to provide relief and create a recovery framework, as articulated by the lawmakers.

Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, chair of the Budget Committee, announced new legislation to allow displaced families to remain in hotels and motels for durations longer than currently allowed.

“This is particularly critical for our children and families who have been displaced,” Gabriel remarked. “We will guarantee they have the stability, security, and sense of belonging they need.”

He emphasized the bipartisan nature of the state’s and federal responses.

“We will join together as representatives. We are resilient, we are strong … we care for one another, we are generous, and we will stand united to rebuild these communities.”

A newly introduced bill by Assemblywoman Jessica Caloza will provide fundamental cash assistance of up to $1,500 per household.

“What individuals need most is immediate support to ensure their survival,” she stated.

Another proposal she has authored, termed the Small Business Recovery Act, would offer grants ranging from $2,500 to $100,000 for businesses facing severe destruction.

“This is about more than just financial assistance. It’s about creating a system that directs resources to people without unnecessary obstacles,” Caloza insisted. “This recovery needs to be prompt, inclusive, and effective.”

Addressing the need to navigate increased pressure for resources and labor required for rebuilding, Assemblyman Nick Schultz put forward a bill proposing a six-year pause on noncritical residential code changes.

This proposal seeks to prevent local governments from imposing excessive regulations, Schultz clarified.

The order includes the suspension of mobile home regulations in Los Angeles County to facilitate the placement of temporary housing on private properties.

The proclamation also extends a moratorium against price gouging on rent, housing, and rates for hotels and motels until March 8.

Debris teams are tasked with removing propane tanks, batteries—including those in standard and electric vehicles—and pesticides, among other items.

To facilitate what officials have characterized as a crucial initial stage of debris removal, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is allocating $100 million to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to commence the cleanup.

The officers will assist in addressing reports of unauthorized entry, looting, and other criminal activities, as noted in a statement from the governor’s office.

These reinforcements will supplement the more than 800 highway patrol officers currently on standby in the region and the over 1,000 California National Guard members engaged in traffic control operations.