California Lawmakers Advance Wildfire Insurance Protections

California lawmakers passed measures aimed at better insurance coverage for smoke-damaged homes and financing for upgrades that help protect residences from future fire damage.
Several bills also sought to help fire victims navigate burdensome insurance requirements after disasters while increasing prevention efforts, with the package sent to the governor.
Two companion bills were approved to make sure smoke-contaminated homes are properly remediated before residents move back in, creating clearer expectations for recovery.
After intensive late-stage negotiations, advocates said added protections brought the insurance measure into harmony with the standards bill and left supporters satisfied.
A companion insurance bill would require insurers to follow those standards and act promptly on claims, taking effect only if both bills are signed.