One year after the devastating Los Angeles fires, State Sen. Ben Allen has introduced new legislation to help California homeowners make wildfire safety upgrades more affordable.
The proposed bill, SB 894, would create a state-backed, low-interest loan program modeled on California’s successful GoGreen energy-finance platform, allowing more households to retrofit their homes against wildfire risks.
“As families across the region continue rebuilding from last year’s horrific tragedy, it is our duty as leaders to find solutions that will not only help them in their recovery, but also prevent these disasters from happening in the first place,” Allen said. “Expanding financing options so that more Californians can affordably retrofit their homes will help save lives, homes, and essential public infrastructure and resources.”
The legislation is sponsored by Megafire Action, a nonprofit organization focused on wildfire prevention, which says public backing can unlock private capital at scale. Polling conducted by Megafire Action found that 83% of California voters support financial incentives for fire-resistant home upgrades, and 81% support certifications that could lead to insurance discounts.
“As we reflect on the destruction of last year’s LA fires, we have a responsibility to ensure families are never left so vulnerable again,” said Eric Horne, California director at Megafire Action. “We applaud Senator Allen for his leadership and dedication to protect Californians against future fires. This bill provides a clear, trusted path for families to safeguard their homes without breaking the bank.”
Allen emphasized that wildfire retrofits are key to stabilizing California’s insurance market. “We will never stabilize California’s insurance market until we address the root problem: too many homes are burning down,” he said. “This proposed program will expand access to proven protections for the families and communities who need them most, protections that many insurers are already rewarding with significant premium discounts.”
SB 894 follows a Senate floor tribute by Allen and Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Pasadena) to the victims of the Palisades and Eaton fires. The legislation also aligns with the state’s recent announcement of a fund designed to bridge gaps between insurance payouts and rebuilding costs.
The bill is expected to be heard by the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee in the coming weeks.
