__SALUTATION__

As you may know from several of my previous updates, I have been actively advocating on your behalf regarding the homeowner's insurance crisis affecting our community.

I am writing to share an important update from an Assembly Insurance oversight hearing held yesterday related to the Department of Insurance regulatory program known as the ‘Sustainable Insurance Strategy'. Yesterday's hearing provided an opportunity for me to ask Commissioner Lara some key questions and push for the answers and action that Californians deserve.

During the hearing, I raised several concerns, including how the new regulations will force insurance companies to sell polices to homeowners currently on the FAIR Plan and to those in designated "high" and "very high" fire severity risk zones. Our goal should be to ensure homeowners have access to comprehensive insurance coverage and to de-populate the FAIR Plan as quickly as possible. The Commissioner assured the Committee that, with the new regulations in place, we will begin to see that movement, and importantly, have the data and mechanisms to hold insurance companies accountable if they fail to meet the requirements spelled out in the regulations.

While there is still much work to be done, yesterday's hearing was an important step toward greater transparency and accountability. I will continue to fight to protect your ability to obtain homeowners' insurance and exit the FAIR Plan.

If you would like to watch my exchange with the Insurance Commissioner, you may view it here.

If you'd like to watch the hearing in its entirety, please use the button below.

Thank you for your continued engagement on this important issue; I will continue to keep you informed as developments occur.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Assemblymember, 16th District