Bills passed in the Assembly Monday tackled issues ranging from homeowners insurance to utilities and housing.
Source: ABC 10
"This bill requires the public advocate's office at the Utilities Commission to analyze the efficacy, cost impact and overall effect of each proposed legislative mandate on electric and natural gas companies, prior to a vote in policy committees," said Asm. Pacheco.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California lawmakers are rushing to get their bills passed through the Assembly and Senate by Friday. It comes as more criticism is being pushed on lawmakers to make the state a more affordable place to live.
Bills passed during the Assembly floor session tackled issues like homeowners insurance. AB1 is authored by Democrat Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael).
"This bill will make the program better for consumers and incentivize communities and neighborhoods to prepare their homes in case of disaster," said Asm. Connolly.
The bill received bipartisan support, but Republicans criticized the bill for taking effect in 2030, saying it's too long for homeowners to wait.
"I'm hearing from homeowners who are telling me that their insurance rates are spiking so much that they are afraid that they will be forced out of their homes," said Assemblymember Carl DeMaio (R-San Diego).
Asm. DeMaio also adds the goal both parties had at the beginning of the year is not currently being fulfilled.
"Our caucus is trying to get this chamber to fulfill the Speaker's promise from months ago, that we were going to deal with the cost of living crisis in Sacramento," said Asm. DeMaio.
AB61 is another bill that passed addressing rising costs. It was introduced by Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey).
"This bill requires the public advocate's office at the Utilities Commission to analyze the efficacy, cost impact and overall effect of each proposed legislative mandate on electric and natural gas companies, prior to a vote in policy committees," said Asm. Pacheco.
One of the bills expected to be heard this week is AB942 about a change in a program for homeowners with roof top solar panels. Opponents say this bill would do the opposite of providing affordability and saving Californians money.
"Rates are high because of out of control utility spending on poles and wires and the failure of this building, of the regulators and of the governor to check that utility spending," said David Rosenfeld with Solar Rights Alliance.
Introduced by Democrat Assemblymember Lisa Calderon, the bill would require new owners of rooftop solar to agree to a new program called the Net Billing Tariff and to get rid of the California Climate Credit through the Cap and Trade program. Ultimately, those advocating for solar say this bill defeats the purpose of choosing solar in the first place.
AB942 was not heard on the Assembly floor Monday, but will possibly get a hearing Wednesday or Thursday. Again, this bill has to pass the Assembly this week, and bills in the Senate have to pass in the Senate this week, in order for them to continue through the process.