California District Attorneys Urge Governor Newsom to Enhance Price Gouging Protections for Wildfire Victims

District attorneys in Southern California are calling on Governor Gavin Newsom to strengthen price gouging protections. They believe such an action would greatly assist wildfire victims and is a “layup for the governor,” as stated by Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer.

“To me, this seems like a no-brainer,” Spitzer told Fox News Digital. “I believe the governor would want to protect fire victims seeking housing in surrounding counties.”

Previous Actions by Governor Newsom

Earlier this year, Newsom, a Democrat, implemented an executive order to expedite temporary housing aid for individuals displaced by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County. California Attorney General Rob Bonta committed to prosecuting anyone engaging in price gouging amid such disasters.

“As California’s Chief Law Enforcement Officer, I will hold accountable those who attempt to profit off our most vulnerable neighbors,” Bonta proclaimed in a mid-January video post on X.

District Attorneys’ Unified Request

In late January, Spitzer and his counterparts Mike Hestrin (Riverside County), Jason Anderson (San Bernardino County), and John Savrnoch (Santa Barbara County) sent a letter to Newsom. They requested an expansion of price gouging protections to include additional areas affected by wildfires. However, they have not yet received a response from the governor.

“Time is of the essence because, at this moment, our ability to charge for price gouging hinges on having an emergency declaration,” Spitzer explained. “Currently, we lack an emergency declaration for our counties.”

Potential Consequences of Inaction

Savrnoch and Spitzer emphasized the importance of their request to safeguard victims from exploitation. “We united in this request to prevent rental property owners from compounding the tragedy for those who have already lost their possessions and had to uproot their lives,” Savrnoch stated.

They aim to protect individuals from profiting off the suffering of others and are eager for a timely response from the governor’s office.

The Impact of Price Gouging Protections

Under current California law, price gouging protections are activated only during a declared state of emergency. This legislation prohibits sellers, contractors, and business owners from charging more than 10% above their pre-crisis pricing.

A recent executive order from Newsom extended these protections in Los Angeles County until March 8. It also criminalized excessive charges for leases of any duration, not only those lasting one year or less.

Ongoing Accountability Measures

California officials announced last week that a second realtor faced charges for allegedly price gouging wildfire victims. Bonta revealed that the state has initiated legal proceedings against an unnamed real estate agent accused of attempting to exploit a family evacuated due to the Eaton Fire.

Through these actions, state officials are reinforcing their commitment to holding accountable those who seek to take advantage of disaster-stricken families.

Next Steps for Wildfire Victims

As callousness towards wildfire victims continues, the district attorneys remain hopeful that Governor Newsom will take immediate action. Their request underscores the urgency of protecting vulnerable communities in the wake of devastating losses.

“Thank you for your continued partnership in holding these individuals accountable and supporting our fellow Californians during these dark times,” the district attorneys concluded in their letter to the governor.