FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
CONTACT: Sam Villaneda, Samantha.Villaneda@asm.ca.gov, (760) 269-9391
Tom Steel, Tom.Steel@asm.ca.gov, (530) 713-7783
Senate Insurance Committee Approves Legislation to Prevent Fire Survivors from Losing Insurance Coverage While Rebuilding
Bill Provides Relief to Wildfire Survivors Navigating Recovery, Authored by Asm. John Harabedian and Asm. Rick Zbur
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Thousands of California families who have lost homes to a wildfire could receive additional protection from insurance nonrenewals under legislation that passed the Senate Insurance Committee today. AB 2038, authored by Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena), would extend existing insurance moratorium protections to better reflect the years-long reality of rebuilding after a major disaster.
In January 2025, the Eaton and Palisades Fires devastated Altadena and Los Angeles County. Existing law from SB 824 (Lara, 2018) establishes a one year moratorium when insurers attempt to cancel residential policies after a natural disaster if the home is in a disaster zone and a two year moratorium if the house was lost in the disaster.
Today’s vote is a significant milestone because the Senate Insurance Committee is responsible for evaluating legislation that affects California’s insurance market and consumer protections. Approval by the committee signals growing recognition that current timelines no longer match the realities faced by wildfire survivors and that stronger defense is needed to keep families housed and communities intact.
“Families should not have to deal with the added layer of stress and uncertainty from insurance nonrenewals," said Assemblymember Harabedian (D-Pasadena). “Extending the moratorium period for homeowners allows them to focus on recovery and removes the burden of worrying about insurance coverage. This is crucial to reducing displacement and providing a pathway to stability for our communities as they rebuild.”
The legislation has continued to build momentum throughout the legislative process as legislators, wildfire survivors, and community advocates push for reforms that better reflect the challenges facing disaster impacted communities. As California experiences more frequent and destructive wildfires, supporters argue that insurance protections must evolve to meet the scale of modern recovery efforts.
“Rebuilding after a wildfire is not measured in months. It is measured in years,” said Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood). “This bill helps to make sure families are not punished for circumstances beyond their control and gives them a fair chance to rebuild and remain in their communities.”
AB 2038 now advances to the Senate Appropriations Committee for a vote in August.
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Assemblymember John Harabedian represents the 41st District composed of the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan.
