CCF Press Conference Highlights New Wildfire Testing Laws and Urgent Insurance Deadlines

On October 6, the California Community Foundation (CCF) held a press conference with Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Mayor Karen Bass, scientific and legal experts, and survivors, including Dena Rise Up and EFRU members, urging homeowners and landlords to pursue proper contamination testing and protect their insurance rights. CCF highlighted AB 1642 and AB 1795, which take effect January 1, 2027, establishing statewide wildfire contamination testing and clearance standards alongside stronger insurance protections. EFRU presented research showing 6 in 10 homes remained unsafe after remediation.

Important for homeowners: if you or your insurance company only remediated and never tested for lead, asbestos, or CAM 17 metals, it is imperative to test to ensure your home doesn’t have remaining toxicity. EFRU post remediation map indicates 96% of remediated homes still had lead and 36% of remediated homes still had asbestos dust due to cleaning rather than rigorous restoration. Contact your insurer and reopen your claim to get indoor testing to confirm your home has reached safety clearance before the insurance statute of limitations on January 7, 2027.

Important for Landlords and Renters: AB 1642's new lead and asbestos clearance standards will establish how landlords meet their wildfire-related safety obligations under SB 610. Landlords who previously remediated without lead and asbestos testing should contact their insurers immediately about reopening or supplementing their claims. Those who never filed a claim should act now. Otherwise, they risk paying for necessary testing and additional remediation out of pocket.

Action: Learn more about why you need to do indoor testing NOW: CCF Press Release | StandingHomes.LA