Senator Dave Cortese Introduces a Futuristic Bill To Give Homeowners A Clear Picture of Wildfire Risk & Whether Their Getting A Fair Deal on Insurance

SACRAMENTO –  California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley) today introduced SB 429 –  a bill to establish a first in the nation public wildfire catastrophe model that can influence future city planning, fire station and road evacuation placements, inform California homeowners of the fire risks where they live to determine if their insurance rates are too high or not enough and give anxious homebuyers the fire danger evidence they need to look in another zip code.  

Senator Cortese’s futuristic bill - part of a package of bills sponsored by the state Department of Insurance – initiates a grant program to provide funding to one or more universities to develop the model at a research and education center.

“This first-in-the-nation public wildfire catastrophe model will be transparent, science-driven, and work for everyone – homeowners, communities, emergency responders, and local governments,” said Senator Cortese. “By investing in a

University-led research center, this bill ensures a model that not only improves wildfire preparedness and planning but also gives homeowners and communities a clearer picture of wildfire risk and whether they are getting a fair deal on insurance.”

The California Department of Insurance has launched a partnership with Cal Poly Humboldt in Arcata, California where researchers and wildland fire experts will make recommendations for establishing the wildfire catastrophe model by April 2025. The recommendations will identify the benefits to the public, the initial data, the funding sources and technical needs.

Cal Poly Humboldt is renown for its expertise in forestry, natural resources and a wide array of sciences.

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