FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, July 16th, 2026
CONTACT: Sam Villaneda, Samantha.Villaneda@asm.ca.gov, (760) 269-9391
Tom Steel, Tom.Steel@asm.ca.gov, (530) 713-7783
Assemblymember Harabedian Highlights Wildfire Recovery Laws Protecting Homeowners
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – In response to Governor Newsom’s announcement this week regarding lenders’ responsibilities to Los Angeles wildfire survivors, Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) underscored the importance of California’s ongoing efforts to strengthen homeowner protections during disaster recovery, including legislation he authored to address financial barriers facing wildfire survivors.
Governor Newsom’s announcement reinforces the need for lenders to ensure homeowners have fair and timely access to insurance proceeds needed to rebuild. Assemblymember Harabedian has worked alongside the Governor and legislative partners to advance policies that protect survivors throughout the recovery process.
Among those efforts is AB 493 (Harabedian, 2024), which requires mortgage lenders that hold insurance proceeds during rebuilding to pay homeowners at least two percent annual simple interest on those funds, guaranteeing families benefit from interest earned while they await reconstruction.
Harabedian also authored AB 238, which provides mortgage forbearance protections for wildfire survivors, helping homeowners remain in their homes while they navigate the rebuilding process.
In addition, AB 1847 (Harabedian) builds on California’s commitment to strengthening disaster recovery by addressing additional barriers that can delay or complicate rebuilding for homeowners following a catastrophic wildfire.
“Wildfire survivors deserve a recovery process that works for them,” said Assemblymember Harabedian (D-Pasadena). “The Governor’s announcement reinforces an important principle that every institution involved in disaster recovery has a responsibility to help families rebuild. Through legislation like AB 493, AB 238, and AB 1847, we’ve worked to strengthen protections for homeowners, but we must continue ensuring those protections translate into real relief for the families who need it most.”
Assemblymember Harabedian remains committed to working with the Governor, state agencies, local leaders, and community partners to remove unnecessary barriers to recovery and ensure wildfire survivors receive the support they deserve.
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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.
