Redding Today

Support for Senator Brian Dahle’s (R-Bieber) measure, Senate Bill (SB) 927, is growing following Wednesday’s hearing in the Senate Committee on Revenue and Taxation. "I’m proud of this legislation, and I’m thankful to the Chair and Committee for moving this forward,” said Senator Dahle. “It’s not okay that we tax Californians on these payments when they’re doing everything they can to rebuild and recover. My district has suffered from some of the most devastating wildfires in California’s history, and they, along with all Californians, deserve to be adequately compensated for their losses."

Senator Dahle brought forward similar legislation last year excluding income taxes for individuals who received settlements from Pacific Gas & Electric in connection with the Zogg Fire. The bill passed unanimously through both houses, displaying legislators’ enthusiastic support for excluding these settlements from being taxed.

SB 927 would end the cumbersome practice of waiving taxes one disaster at a time, and instead create a cohesive statewide policy. The bill seeks to better serve and support traumatized victims.

"When a person loses property to a fire, flood, or other catastrophe and receives a settlement as compensation, from a utility or other private entity, federal and state laws consider that taxable income,” explained the background information provided.

In response to the bill, Senator Dahle expressed his dedication to helping Californians in times of need. The bill aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by individuals trying to recover from disasters. California's 1st Senate District, represented by Senator Dahle, encompasses multiple counties that have been affected by natural calamities.