Aftermath of January 2025 fires in Los Angeles Credit: LAPD
June 1, 2026 - SACRAMENTO, CA - Lasr week, Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) passed AB 1642 off the Assembly Floor. The passage of AB 1642 marks a critical advancement of crucial protections for wildfire survivors returning to their homes.
AB 1642 would direct the Department of Toxic Substances Control to create comprehensive statewide standards for post-wildfire investigation, environmental testing, and contaminant remediation in and around homes, schools, and residential areas. This bill addresses the longstanding absence of enforceable post-fire safety standards, which has left many Californians at risk with their health and without reliable guidance on the safety of inhabiting their homes after wildfires.
In the aftermath of the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires, residents have faced significant uncertainty regarding the safety of their properties. Residents are often forced to pay for private contamination testing, temporary housing, or return to harmful living conditions, all while coping with the emotional and financial toll of wildfire recovery.
“The passage of AB1642 marks an important step in protecting communities during some of their most vulnerable moments,” said Assemblymember John Harabedian. “Families recovering from wildfires should not be left alone in navigating the uncertainty of whether their homes are safe to return to. AB 1642 ensures clear and reliable answers grounded in science and public health, and gives survivors the certainty and safety they deserve.”
"Eaton Fire Residents United (EFRU) proudly supports the passage of AB 1642 and thanks Assemblymember Harabedian for his leadership in protecting wildfire survivors. Our own testing data found that 96% of remediated Altadena homes still had detectable lead and 36% still had detectable asbestos after professional cleanup—proof that science-based standards are not just necessary, they are urgent. We call on the State Senate to prioritize AB 1642 this session and deliver the independent, health-protective framework that California wildfire survivors deserve." - Eaton Fire Residents United (EFRU)
“In the aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, seeing AB 1642 move to the Assembly Floor is an inspiring and hopeful sign. The current lack of testing requirements and health standards for numerous toxic heavy metals and other contaminants released by the fires poses an unnecessary risk to local communities. AB 1642 would address these long standing issues and ensure that no one is forced to return to an unsafe home.” said Francois Tissot, Professor of Geochemistry at California Institute of Technology (CalTech)
The statewide standards established by AB 1642 would provide greater protection and clarity for wildfire survivors across California. AB 1642 now advances to the State Senate.
Assemblymember John Harabedian represents the 41st District composed of the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan.
Source: Assemblymember John Harabedian
