Assembly Budget Committee hears $2.5 billion emergency wildfire relief, members press for quick local aid and clearer reporting

The Assembly Budget Committee met in an informational hearing on Jan. 14 to review emergency funding for communities affected by recent Southern California wildfires, with the Department of Finance outlining a package of onetime general‑fund support and committee members urging quicker delivery of aid and clearer reporting.

The hearing focused on two special-session bills, referred to in testimony as ABX14 and ABX15, and a broader funding package the Department of Finance described as emergency wildfire relief for Los Angeles and nearby areas. "The total funding for the fire related package includes $2,500,000,000, onetime general fund to expedite support," said Stephen Benson of the Department of Finance during the presentation.

Why it matters: Committee members from affected districts called for immediate action to get resources to local governments, schools and shelters, and they pressed administration witnesses on how quickly funds for building inspections, debris removal, air and water testing, and school recovery will flow to the ground.

Department of Finance summary and reporting

Stephen Benson, the Department of Finance presenter, listed core allowable uses that match disaster-response activities: emergency protective measures, evacuations, sheltering survivors, removal of household hazardous materials, post‑fire hazard assessments, traffic control and some debris‑removal costs. Benson said the package also includes targeted funding for schools and local permitting support.

Benson said the administration will post an expenditure report to the Department of Finance website, starting "on or about February 7" and updated at the end of each month through April. "The expenditure report is going to be posted on or about February 7... and then it will be updated on or before February 28, March 31 and…