Scored 8/10 on whether it helps or hurts everyday people.
The Damage & Insurance Bill
California creates standards for smoke damage testing and insurance payouts
Smoke Damage Recovery Act.
Good for everyday people ·
If passed, the bill would force insurers to keep living expense coverage, pay testing costs, and settle smoke damage claims quickly, while setting state standards for inspections.
Our take
What we think, in plain words.
Homeowners could finally get fast, fair payouts after wildfires, and insurers would have clear rules, but the new certification fees could add admin costs.
Take action
Add your name. At 100 signatures we compile this petition and deliver it to the office — and every signer gets a message to send their own representatives.
0 of 100 in‑district signatures
Step 1 · Pick your position
Step 2 · Add your name
Sign in to oppose this billPicking a side above doesn't sign anything yet — a free account records your name on the petition and keeps it one signature per person. We'll bring you straight back here with your choice saved.
The facts
What the bill actually says, no spin.
- CalEPA must create health‑based standards for testing smoke‑damaged homes by June 30 2027.
- CalEPA must set training and certification rules for inspectors by Jan 1 2028 and limit certification fees to cost‑covering amounts.
- A Wildfire Remediation and Restoration Certification and Training Fund will be created and funded by those fees.
- Insurers cannot cancel additional living‑expense coverage for smoke‑damage claims until the home is cleared for habitation.
- Insurers must pay the actual cash value of repairs within 30 days after inspection and the replacement cost within 15 days after the homeowner provides a contractor’s contract.
- Insurers must cover the cost of required sampling and testing.
- The Department of Insurance must develop training and certification for insurance adjusters handling smoke‑damage claims.
How they voted
The actual floor vote, and who broke from their own party.
Want to see how your representatives voted on this? Find your reps →
In the news
Scanning the news for this bill…
Headlines gathered from across the news, starting points to explore, not endorsements. Always read the official text before acting.
Sources
Read it yourself: the official bill and records.
This bill is in the California Bill Book 2026
The best and worst California bills of 2026, one page each — our take on the left, the bill on the right, and room for your notes. No email needed.
Get the free PDF →