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Assembly Panel OKs Revival of Quake Aid

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<i> From a Times Staff Writer</i>

An Assembly committee on Wednesday reversed itself and approved legislation to revive a state-operated earthquake insurance program to help homeowners repair damage caused by major temblors.

A 6-3 vote--the minimum required for approval in the Housing and Community Development Committee--sent the bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Rusty Areias (D-San Jose), to the Insurance Committee for further screening.

There was no debate. The same committee rejected the measure by a one-vote margin last week, but Areias received permission to seek reconsideration.

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The former state earthquake insurance program was repealed last year after critics claimed it was bordering on insolvency and giving the public a false sense of security.

If the program had been in existence Jan. 17 when the Northridge quake occurred, Areias estimated, it would have contained about $350 million, enough money to give each of the estimated 60,000 to 70,000 Los Angeles-area homeowners who had damage a check for about $5,000.

The new program is designed to provide homeowners with up to $15,000 to repair homes damaged by earthquakes. It would cost homeowners a mandatory $25 to $75 a year, depending on where they live and the type of home construction.

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