Assemblymember Bonta secures passage of AB 789 to protect Californians from health insurance rate hikes

The California State Assembly convened on April 21, 2025, for an Assembly Floor Session, beginning with a moment of silence to honor the victims of the Armenian genocide. Following this solemn observance, the session transitioned to legislative business.

Retired Assemblymember Mike Roos was recognized as a special guest in attendance. The Assembly then moved through several items on the daily file, passing and retaining multiple bills before addressing Assembly Bill 789, presented by Assemblymember Bonta.

Assemblymember Bonta introduced AB 789, which aims to enhance consumer protections against unreasonable health insurance rate hikes. He emphasized that while the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has expanded access to healthcare for many Californians, the state's definition of unreasonable rate increases is still linked to federal law. This bill seeks to decouple that definition from federal standards, allowing state regulators greater authority to oversee and challenge unjustified rate increases. Bonta requested an affirmative vote from his colleagues.

After a period of debate, the Assembly voted on AB 789, resulting in 53 votes in favor and 4 against, thereby passing the measure.

The session then proceeded to file item 47, which involved Assembly Concurrent Resolution 56, introduced by Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez, focusing on Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month.

Overall, the session highlighted significant legislative efforts aimed at consumer protection in healthcare, alongside recognition of important health awareness initiatives.