Bill giving aid for homes lost in wildfires in Senate

A bill authored by Assemblyman Chuck DeVore that would grant property tax relief to homeowners who lost everything in last summer’s California wildfires is awaiting approval on the state Senate floor.

Assembly Bill 1759 received unanimous approval in the Assembly last week. The bill fulfills a pledge for aid DeVore made to displaced homeowners living in a high school gymnasium during last fall’s Southern California wildfires.

“California can and should allow these families to rebuild their lives by lifting some of the already unbearable burden of property tax from their shoulders,” DeVore said. “We are encouraged that our colleagues from both sides of the political aisle see the wisdom in helping these people through this devastating experience.”

In addition to providing property tax relief for individuals whose homes were destroyed or damaged, AB 1759 also allows the state to reimburse counties for not charging people property tax when they have lost their homes, or reassessing the value of their home if it has been damaged. State costs are predicted to be about $5 million.

— Brianna Bailey