Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wildfire Mitigation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
AB 389 would offer tax credit for home hardening in fire hazard zones; firefighters and realtors support the measure
Summary
AB 389 would create a personal income tax credit (40% of qualified home hardening expenses, capped at $400/year and $2,000 total) for homeowners in high fire hazard areas.
Assemblymember Wallace presented AB 389 to establish a tax credit for household expenses related to home hardening measures in high and very high fire hazard areas. The author said the credit (40% of qualified expenses up to $400 annually, $2,000 total) would encourage homeowners to install fire‑resistant roofs, emberproof vents, enclosed eaves and other eligible measures to reduce loss from wildfires.
Terry McHale (representing CAL FIRE via Aaron Reed & Associates) testified in support and emphasized the growing severity and frequency of major fires; he told the committee that preventing even one home loss yields large savings. The California Association of Realtors also testified in support, saying the credit would incentivize property upgrades that protect homes and neighborhoods.
The California Tax Reform Association registered respectful opposition, suggesting targeted low‑interest loan funds might be more effective and noting the general fund cost of a broad tax credit. Committee members and the author agreed on the need to refine definitions of qualified expenses, and the author said he would pursue amendments while the bill is on the suspense file. AB 389 was referred to the committee suspense file for further work.
