Assembly approves $2.5 billion wildfire emergency package for Los Angeles-area recovery and response

The California State Assembly on Jan. 16 approved two budget measures—AB 4 and SB 3—that together provide $2.5 billion in emergency funding for response, recovery and initial rebuilding following catastrophic wildfires in Southern California.

Assemblymember Gabriel, the author, said AB 4 provides $1.5 billion for “emergency response costs and immediate recovery activities” including evacuation and sheltering, hazardous‑waste removal, remediation of post‑fire hazards such as flooding and debris flows, and air‑ and water‑quality testing. “I respectfully ask for your I vote on AB 4,” Gabriel said on the Assembly floor.

The companion measure, SB 3 (Wiener), passed after expedited procedures and includes provisions the Assembly identified as narrowly targeted to speed rebuilding and planning. Assemblymember Gabriel said SB 3 contains $4,000,000 to “expedite building approvals for homeowners” in impacted communities and $1,000,000 to assist the Los Angeles Unified School District, the Pasadena Unified School District and impacted charter schools with initial planning to rebuild damaged school facilities. The bill also directs the executive branch to seek maximum possible federal reimbursement and includes reporting and transparency requirements.

Both bills passed with lopsided tallies: AB 4 passed 78‑0 and SB 3 passed 79‑0. Earlier in debate, a proposed amendment by Assemblymember Gallagher to add $1,000,000,000 for fuel‑reduction projects was laid on the table in a procedurally binding vote that passed 58‑19, removing the amendment from immediate consideration.

Lawmakers used the floor debate to stress both urgent relief and longer‑term prevention. Several members representing Los Angeles‑area districts described extensive property loss and displaced families and urged rapid, simple aid for survivors. Speakers also urged that prevention funding and maintenance of fuel breaks be prioritized alongside recovery spending. Assemblymember Gallagher urged an increase in fuel reduction spending, calling existing baselines “not enough” and citing the state’s history of large, destructive fires.

Other speakers highlighted nonbudgetary barriers to prevention and rebuilding. Assemblymember De Maio raised concerns about state regulations that, in his view, limit communities’ ability to clear defensible space, and warned that federal reimbursement will likely be conditioned on reforms. “It's not enough,” De Maio said of the current package, adding that victims “deserve more.” Several members said the Assembly intends additional action on prevention and resilience on an accelerated timeline, including follow‑up budget items in April and possible bond measures.

The Assembly also waived the three‑reading requirement under the California Constitution to take up SB 3 immediately; the rule suspension passed the floor prior to the bill’s passage. Following each bill’s passage the clerk reported immediate transmittal to the Senate for enrollment.

Votes at a glance: AB 4 (emergency response and recovery) — Ayes 78, No 0 (passed); SB 3 (companion budget bill with expedited approvals and school planning funds) — Ayes 79, No 0 (passed); motion to lay Gallagher amendment on the table — Ayes 58, No 19 (passed).

Assembly debate included repeated calls for both immediate financial relief and faster, bipartisan work on prevention and resilience. Several members emphasized that much of the emergency funding is expected to be reimbursed by the federal government and that additional state action on permitting, land management and maintenance of fuel breaks will be necessary for long‑term risk reduction.

The measures are now transmitted to the Senate for enrollment. The Assembly recessed the extraordinary session and returned to regular business later in the day.