Assemblyman Bill Dodd and Senator Mike McGuire have introduced Assembly Bill 1559, which will provide tax relief to businesses impacted by the Valley Fire and future disasters.

The idea was brought forward by Fiona Ma, Lake County’s representative on the Board of Equalization.

“Giving local businesses in Lake County additional time and flexibility in their tax deadlines will help get these businesses back on their feet,” said Bill Dodd, who represents Lake and Yolo counties. “I’m happy help lead this effort and am grateful for the support and partnership of Senator Mike McGuire and Member Fiona Ma. This bill is one part of our broader effort to support Lake County and the victims of the Valley Fire.”

“The 2015 fire season was a devastating tragedy for so many communities, especially those affected by the Butte and Valley fires, and AB 1559 by Dodd will help us to rebuild by providing relief for businesses affected by these disasters,” said Ma, who is a certified public accountant. “I am eager to work with Assemblymember Dodd on passing this legislation and helping these communities rebuild and recover.”

The legislation will empower the BOE to extend the file and pay deadlines for sales and other taxes in areas impacted by the Valley Fire, allowing businesses in Lake County more time and flexibility to recover from the fire. AB 1559 will also grant the BOE the authority to apply this extension for businesses impacted by future disasters.

“Lake County’s small businesses suffered tremendously from the devastating impacts of the Valley Fire. I’m honored to team up with (Bill) and (Fiona) to ensure local business owners have some peace of mind and needed tax relief during this recovery period,” McGuire said.

This wildfire season was one of the most devastating in California’s history. Dodd’s 4th Assembly District was particularly affected by the wild fires of 2015, containing nearly 58 percent of the total extinguished acreage by Cal Fire across the entire state. In Lake County alone, the Valley Fire destroyed nearly two thousand structures over a 23-day period, ultimately becoming the 3rd most destructive fire in California history.

The legislation has been given an urgency clause, meaning it will take immediate effect upon passage. Dodd and Senator McGuire are also working with Governor Brown’s office to provide additional relief through budgetary and administrative action.