AB-1866 • 2026

California Disaster Assistance Act: minimum damages thresholds.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Rogers
Last action: 2026-05-14
Official status: In committee: Held under submission.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide details on how much extra money will be given or what specific costs are included in the assistance.

California Disaster Assistance Act: Minimum Damages Thresholds

AB-1866 requires the Director of Emergency Services to prioritize financial assistance for local agencies that cannot receive federal funding due to not meeting minimum damage thresholds set by federal law.

What This Bill Does

Requires the Director of Emergency Services to give priority to local agencies that are ineligible for federal disaster aid because they do not meet federal minimum damage thresholds.

Who It Names or Affects

Local agencies in California dealing with disaster response and recovery.
The Director of Emergency Services who manages disaster assistance funds.

Terms To Know

minimum damage thresholds: A set level of destruction needed for an area to qualify for certain types of aid, as defined by federal rules.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify the exact amount or conditions under which state funds will be prioritized.
It is unclear how this change will affect overall state spending on disaster assistance.

Bill History

2026-05-14 California Legislative Information
In committee: Held under submission.
2026-04-15 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
2026-03-24 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (March 23). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-03-12 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on E.M.
2026-03-11 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on E.M. Read second time and amended.
2026-02-23 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on E.M.
2026-02-12 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 14.
2026-02-11 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1866, as amended, Rogers.
California Disaster Assistance Act: minimum damages thresholds.
Existing law, the California Disaster Assistance Act, requires the Director of Emergency Services to provide financial assistance to local agencies for their personnel costs, equipment costs, and the cost of supplies and materials used during disaster response activities, incurred as a result of a state of emergency proclaimed by the Governor, subject to specified criteria.
This bill would require the director, in administering those provisions, to prioritize local agencies that are not eligible for federal funding due to the agency’s inability to meet minimum damage thresholds under federal law, as specified.
The California Disaster Assistance Act limits the state share for any eligible project to
no more than 75% of total state eligible costs unless the local agency is located within a city, county, or city and county that has adopted a local hazard mitigation plan in accordance with specified federal law.
This bill would specify costs that may be included in the local agency cost share.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF