Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Faced with insurance claim delays, a revolving door of claims adjusters and payouts that don’t cover the cost of repairs, survivors of last year’s devastating wildfires in Southern California are still struggling not only with the effects of the disaster but also with their insurance companies.
In response to their hardships, some California lawmakers are crafting new bills this sessionor reintroducing previously blocked proposals that aim to regulate insurance companies and make their practices more transparent or timely, CalMatters’ Levi Sumagasai writes.
Some key measures include:
- Senate Bill 876 would do various fixes to state insurance code, such as requiring companies to share their disaster recovery plans with the state insurance department; let customers know within five days when a new adjuster has been assigned to them; and increasing penalties for companies that violate fair claims practices during emergencies. The state senator’s bill. Steve PadillaChula Vista Democrat and chairman of the Senate Insurance Committee, is expected to face opposition from the insurance industry.
- Senate Bill 878proposed by two Southern California Democrats, would hold insurers accountable if they miss the deadlines for payment of damages requiring them to pay 20% interest per annum. Companies will also have to submit a report to the insurance department proving they are meeting the on-time payment requirements.
- Assembly Bill 1559 is an MP Lisa Calderonthe second adjustment attempt use of drone imagery by insurers. The bill would require companies to notify customers when they plan to take drone photos of their properties. It would also prohibit companies from terminating coverage based on images taken more than 180 days before the companies sent notice of the coverage termination. Policyholders will also be able to see the images if they want to dispute insurers’ claims or take other action before their policies are terminated. A previous proposal by the Democrat from the city of industry was stalled in the Senate last year.
For the record: In the California Voices section of Wednesday’s bulletin, the diversion program bill mentioned is a two-year-old bill that remains pending in the Legislature.
CalMatters Events: Mi Escuelita, a preschool in San Diego, is transforming the way young children recover from trauma. Join our February 5th event, in person in Chula Vista or virtually, to hear from California leaders in trauma-informed care about what’s working, what it takes to sustain it, and how policymakers can expand these programs. Register today.
What should justice look like in California today? Join us in Los Angeles on February 25th for a conversation with Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman, former CDCR Director Dave Lewis, and Heidi Rummel of the Post-Conviction Justice Project about prosecution, incarceration, and whether reform or tougher policies will define the state’s future. Register here.
Other stories you should know
Is your wine American enough for you?
Under current federal standards, only 75 percent of the grapes for a wine must be grown in America to be labeled “American wine” — a percentage that’s too low for two California lawmakers.
members of the assembly Rhodesia Ransom of Stockton and Damon Connelly of San Rafael recently introduced a bill that would require wine to be produced, bottled or sold in California 100% sourced from grapes grown in America if it is to be labeled American. Both Democrats represent areas that are vital to California’s wine industry.
The bill does not limit wine imports, change state blending rules or regulate sourcing decisions. The goal is just, Ransom said, to reassure consumers that the American wine they see in California stores is all American. The state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control would be responsible for enforcing the rule and determining penalties if passed, according to Connolly’s office.
- Redemption: “California produces 80 percent of the nation’s wine, and we know that California has a high standard for the origin of our grapes. We don’t know the standards of areas outside of California. … We want to make sure that when (consumers) buy something, they know where it’s coming from.”
Ransom said the bill was partially inspired by conversations with California winemakers and by Act of 2025, which she wrote which incentivizes businesses to buy California glass bottles. California glassware manufacturers must compete with foreign glass manufacturers who do not have to comply with California’s various environmental laws and standards.
The wine bill is expected to be heard in committee next month.
And finally: the governor of California, annoyed by the canceled media appearance around the world
Gov. Gavin Newsom accused the White House on Wednesday of barring the governor from a media appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland — a day after Newsom criticized European leaders for not taking a tougher stance against President Donald Trump. Read more by Jeanne Kuang of CalMatters.
California voices
CalMatters columnist Dan Walters: Whether California’s Big 6’s persistent problems are the reason so many potentially viable candidates are deciding not to run for governor?
CalMatters contributor Jim Newton: The principles that have guided LAPD since the infamy following the Rodney King beating have been lost on ICE, which is poorly staffed and poorly managed.
The Trump administration’s repeal plan Declaring the Satitla Mountains a national monument would put wildlife at risk, devastate areas of cultural significance to local people, and threaten the water supply of millions of people. writes Heather Bourbeaua writer who has worked with various UN agencies.
Other things worth your time:
The Trump administration admits DOGE team may have misused social security data // A politician
The Supreme Court seems likely to repeal CA law banning guns in stores and restaurants // Los Angeles Times
Representative Swalwell’s eligibility for Governor of CA questioned on the case // The Mercury News
CA Assembly Member Gabriel says state ‘needs to do better’ on housing after Newsom’s budget plan // The Sacramento Bee
Why California universities are still ‘on the brink’ after Newsom proposed big budget increases // EdSource
CA exceeds the goal of a clean car despite dwindling federal support // Los Angeles Times
Covered California policyholders are downgrading their plans as new enrollments plummet // San Francisco Chronicle
San Clemente approves controversially Border Patrol Agreement to Deploy Coastal Surveillance Cameras // LAist
