California Professional Firefighters

State Budget Update: Emergency Response Initiative

The state Senate took up AB 196 on the Floor this afternoon, which is one of two measures that seeks to implement the Emergency Response Initiative (ERI).

The ERI proposes a 4.8% emergency response surcharge on all new or renewed commercial and residential fire or multi-peril insurance premiums in California. The revenue generated would be directly allocated to local fire agencies, Cal-FIRE and Cal-EMA for the express purpose of funding critical emergency mutual aid response, equipment and other needed resources.

When the Senate votes were tallied, the final score was 23 "AYES," 14 "NOS," 3 "NOT VOTING", leaving AB 196 short the required 2/3 vote it needed to pass. The bill was granted re-consideration, which means it can be brought up at a future date for consideration and action.

Click here to view how your Senator voted on AB 196.

The Assembly has not yet taken up the measures containing the ERI.

The Legislature is meeting over the weekend to deliberate the state budget and it is extremely important that the ERI be viewed as a central part of the budget compromise and adopted as part of the overall budget package.

Please take a moment to contact each of your legislators - both in the Assembly and Senate - to communicate the importance of passing the ERI and urge them to support the implementation of these bills. And, if your Senator is among those who voted in favor of AB 196 earlier today, please be sure to thank him or her for their support when you call.

Click here for your legislators' contact information.

Click here for ERI Talking Points.