Connolly revives bill on wildfire defenses, insurance breaks

Assemblymember Damon Connolly is making a second attempt to pass a bill that seeks to reduce home insurance costs through wildfire safeguards.

The bill’s previous version, AB 2416, stalled and did not make it to a final Senate floor vote in August. This month, Connolly reintroduced the bill as AB 1 with the co-authorship of Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas.

Connolly, a Democrat who represents Marin and part of Sonoma County, said he feels optimistic about the new bill.

“I plan on getting this version of the bill or, if needed, a stronger version through the Legislature with bipartisan support this year, passed and signed into law by the governor in the new year,” he said.

AB 1 centers on the Safer from Wildfires program operated by the California Department of Insurance. Under the program, the state requires insurance companies to give discounts to policyholders who reduce wildfire risks on their properties. The program also informs people how to protect their properties from wildfires.

AB 1 would require the insurance department to review the Safer from Wildfires regulations every five years and to consider adding more wildfire-mitigating measures that could ultimately reduce insurance costs.

“As new and safer building materials come to the market and wildfire prevention methods evolve it is important that we periodically revisit the regulations and ensure as much relief as possible is being offered to residents who are doing the right thing,” Connolly said.

The bill is being reintroduced at a time when insurers are declining to renew policies for many California homeowners because of the risks from wildfires and other natural disasters.

“Too many people are still losing coverage, even if they are doing the right thing, i.e. hardening their homes,” Connolly said. “That’s why we need to find solutions.”

AB 1 is scheduled to be heard by an Assembly committee on Jan. 2, according to the Legislature’s calendar.

In Marin County, the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority offers grants to homeowners who have hardened their homes against wildfires or created defensible spaces in their yards. The agency’s staff inspects residential properties to see if they are at risk for wildfire damages.

“Our inspection program is based on the same science and research that was used to create the Safer from Wildfire regulations and we do inspect for the presence of all of the items in the regulations and our reports outline what is present and what is not,” said Mark Brown, the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority’s executive officer.

The Marin County Board of Supervisors sent a letter of support for Connolly’s bill when it was put forward as AB 2416 in May. Supervisor Dennis Rodoni wrote that the bill would incentivize insurers to provide coverage for homes and businesses in California.

Talia Smith, the county’s legislative and intergovernmental affairs director, said she believes that AB 1 will have a better chance of success in the legislative process.

“There is a lot that’s needed to address the current state of the insurance crisis,” she said.