Assembly Bill 380, introduced by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, has passed in the California State Assembly, aiming to protect communities from price gouging during recovery from disasters like the recent LA wildfires. The bill, which addresses the exploitation of vulnerable residents as they rebuild after the destruction of over 10,000 structures, strengthens existing protections against opportunistic price hikes.

Gonzalez emphasized the need for clarity in the law, noting that while some protections exist, confusion remains among renters and businesses. The bill reduces the duration of certain protections, such as limiting price gouging on goods and services from 180 days to 90 days, while still ensuring essential safeguards are in place to support recovery efforts.

The Assembly also passed several other significant bills, including AB 402, which increases Cal Grants for private nonprofit colleges, and AB 441, which extends the California wildfire mitigation program and the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development. These measures reflect a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and improving wildfire response capabilities in the state.

Additionally, AB 696 establishes a lithium-ion battery advisory group to ensure first responders are equipped to handle emergencies related to electric vehicle battery fires, a growing concern as electric vehicles become more prevalent on California roads.

The passage of these bills underscores the Assembly's proactive approach to addressing pressing issues, from disaster recovery to educational funding and public safety. As California continues to face challenges from wildfires and the transition to electric vehicles, these legislative efforts aim to safeguard communities and enhance resilience.