SACRAMENTO - Today, Legislative Republicans applauded the news that wildfire relief and prevention legislation will be considered in a special session of the Legislature and repeated their call for swift action to address the wildfire and insurance crises facing California. Dedicating state resources to these issues is a critical step towards stopping the fires, preventing similar tragedies in the future and stabilizing California’s battered insurance market.
The announcement came following a letter and press conference by legislative Republicans calling for Governor Newsom to do more to prevent fires, improve our emergency response capabilities and restore confidence and stability to the insurance industry.
“I’m glad to see Governor Newsom agreeing that the state needs to prioritize relief for Californians impacted by these fires,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (Yuba City). “I certainly hope he doesn’t play politics with this money by tying it to his slush fund for government lawyers and left-wing groups to fight President Trump. This is a time for all of us to come together and take care of our fellow Californians who have lost everything.”
“We hear you. Some of us understand exactly what you’re going through,” said Assemblymember David Tangipa (Clovis). “In 2018, my family lost their property to the Carr Fire. We've witnessed it personally, and I want you to know that we stand here and we hear you. But most importantly, you deserve action.”
In their letter and press conference, Republican lawmakers calling for legislation to:
- Expedite permitting for wildfire prevention projects;
- Streamline environmental reviews for fire safety efforts;
- Enhance criminal penalties for arson and negligent fires;
- Provide incentives and assistance for home-hardening projects;
- Increase funding for wildfire prevention; and
- Provide transparency into California’s insurance market to stabilize the system.
Republicans will be working in the special session to ensure these priorities are addressed and turned into real solutions.
