AB-226
Budget & Economy
California FAIR Plan Association.
Introduced
California
2025-2026 Regular Session
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Key Takeaways
  • Authorizes the California FAIR Plan Association to issue bonds through the state infrastructure bank to increase its ability to pay insurance claims during the current property insurance crisis.
  • Enables the FAIR Plan to enter into loan agreements and credit lines with financial institutions to ensure adequate funding for catastrophic events.
  • Requires FAIR Plan member insurance companies to pay assessments that cover all bond and loan payment obligations.
  • Takes effect immediately as an urgency measure to address the severe shortage of property insurance coverage in California.
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Progress
10% progression
Bill has been formally introduced and read for the first time in its house of origin (1/9/2025)
Probability of Passing
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Summary

Assembly Members Calderon and Alvarez propose expanding the California FAIR Plan Association's financial capabilities to address the state's property insurance availability crisis. The legislation authorizes the association to access new funding mechanisms through the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank, enabling it to maintain adequate claims-paying capacity as its role in the market grows.

The bill establishes three primary financing options for the association, subject to Insurance Commissioner approval: bond issuance through the Infrastructure Bank, direct loan agreements with the bank, and lines of credit from institutional lenders or broker-dealers. These financial instruments can fund claim payments, enhance liquidity, and refinance existing obligations. The association may secure these arrangements using premiums, revenues, and receivables as collateral.

To ensure financial stability, the legislation requires association members to provide assessments sufficient to meet all payment obligations for approved bonds, loans, and credit lines. The bill protects these repayment commitments by preventing subsequent operational plan amendments from altering approved terms. While the Infrastructure Bank gains authority to enforce the association's financial obligations, it remains separate from matters under Insurance Commissioner oversight.

The measure includes specific provisions clarifying that bonds issued under this authority do not constitute state debt and are payable solely from designated funds and revenues. It takes effect immediately upon passage, reflecting the bill's findings about current strains on property insurance availability and the association's need for enhanced financial capacity to serve as a reliable market of last resort.

Authors
Rick Zbur
Rick ZburD
California State Assembly Member
Pilar Schiavo
Pilar SchiavoD
California State Assembly Member
Jacqui Irwin
Jacqui IrwinD
California State Assembly Member
John Harabedian
John HarabedianD
California State Assembly Member
Lisa Calderon
Lisa CalderonD
California State Assembly Member
David Alvarez
David AlvarezD
California State Assembly Member
Community Outlook
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Total Votes: 0
Key Dates
Read first time. To print.
Assembly Floor
Read first time. To print.
Read first time. To print.
Latest Voting History
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