Assembly approves temporary moratorium for post-fire Altadena in SB 1090

The Assembly voted to pass SB 1090, a temporary three‑year moratorium on certain state housing density laws in Altadena intended to prevent predatory buying and preserve long-term community character after the 2025 Eaton fire. Assemblymember Harbidian presented the bill as a direct response to residents and survivors who said purchases by investors surged after the disaster.

"This will ensure that residents are not pressured into selling their property at a vulnerable moment," Harbidian said on the floor, noting investor purchases accounted for a large share of property transactions in the months after the fire. Supporters including Assemblymembers Patterson and Bridal emphasized the need to protect historically Black neighborhoods from displacement during recovery.

The clerk opened the roll and the transcript records the measure as passing the Assembly. Supporters described the bill as a narrowly tailored, temporary fix to allow community-driven rebuilding without outside pressure.

Why it matters: The bill modifies state housing law application for a defined community recovering from wildfire, affecting planning and local housing outcomes. It illustrates the Legislature's use of local moratoria to manage post-disaster redevelopment.

Next steps: The measure passed concurrence on the floor and will proceed through the standard enrollment and transmittal process.