Rep. Gallagher's AB 2700 Signed Into Law, Delivering Path Forward for Wildfire Victims

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman James Gallagher (CA-01) today announced that Assembly Bill 2700, legislation he introduced while serving in the California State Assembly to help victims of utility-caused wildfires receive fair compensation, has been signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Gallagher introduced AB 2700 in response to the continued challenges facing wildfire survivors, including victims of the Camp Fire in Paradise, who have spent years seeking full and fair compensation for devastating losses. Following Gallagher's election to Congress, Assemblyman Joe Patterson (AD-05) took over as author and carried the legislation through the State Legislature.

"It was my great honor to take this bill on as one of my last actions in the legislature. Far too many wildfire victims are still waiting for the fair compensation they deserve," said Congressman Gallagher. "AB 2700 provides a pathway for accountability and real justice for fire survivors."

AB 2700 requires the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to determine the amount fire victims are owed and recommend compensation methods that do not raise utility rates.

The legislation builds on Gallagher's years of work representing communities devastated by catastrophic wildfires, including Paradise and other communities impacted by the 2018 Camp Fire.

"I am proud that I have had the privilege of working with Congressman Gallagher on this legislation," said Assemblyman Patterson. "AB 2700 is an essential bill to ensure wildfire victims, who have waited years to be paid their fair share, are provided a path to be fully and fairly compensated. No amount of money can undo what they have suffered, but my hope is that this bill provides a tangible step for them to rebuild and move forward."

Thousands of wildfire survivors, united under the Utility Wildfire Survivor Coalition, were instrumental in passing AB 2700. The survivors championed the legislation by contacting legislative offices and meeting with lawmakers and staff. They also testified at committee hearings.

"Earlier this year, the Utility Wildfire Survivor Coalition broadly reached out to members of the State Legislature to find someone willing to champion this legislation," said Will Abrams, Organizing Advocate of the Utility Wildfire Survivor Coalition. "James Gallagher, and later Joe Patterson, had the courage and conviction to lead this effort and champion the passage of AB 2700. Their leadership and our nonpartisan advocacy as the sponsors of this bill led to the bipartisan and unanimous support that marked every vote in the Legislature. Wildfire survivors across the state are grateful."

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Rep. James Gallagher | 408 Cannon House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515 US

Congressman James Gallagher proudly represents California’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.