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AB 389 would offer tax credit for home hardening in high fire-hazard areas; firefighters and Realtors back measure
Summary
AB 389 would create a personal income tax credit equal to 40% of qualified home hardening expenses (capped at $400 annually, $2,000 total) for homeowners in high and very high fire hazard zones; supporters including CAL FIRE and the California Association of Realtors urged the committee to advance the bill; bill was referred to suspense.
Assemblymember Phil Wallace presented AB 389 to establish a tax credit for homeowners who install home hardening measures to reduce wildfire risk. The credit would equal 40% of qualified expenses such as fire-resistant roofs, emberproof vents, enclosed eaves and noncombustible siding, with a proposed cap of $400 per year and $2,000 total.
Terry McHale, representing CAL FIRE interests, told the committee the scale and intensity of recent fires mean homeowners need to harden properties; he said even modest incentives can help prevent catastrophic losses. Amy Garrett of the California Association of Realtors said the credit would encourage homeowners to invest in home hardening and protect surrounding properties.
Danny Kandel Kaiser of the California Tax Reform Association registered respectful opposition, citing general fund impact and suggesting targeted low-interest loans might be more effective for affordability.
Formal action: the committee referred AB 389 to the suspense file so members and staff can refine definitions of eligible expenses and address fiscal impacts.
