Month: February 2026

A Decade of Conservation Support Made Possible in Part by Traveler Donations to the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — More than a century after tortoises became locally extinct on Floreana Island, the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project today released 158 giant tortoises back to the island, marking one of the project’s most anticipated milestones and a powerful sign of ecosystem recovery.

Event Details

• Event: Release of Giant Turtles as Part of the Floreana Project
• Date: February 20, 2026
• Location: Floreana Island, Galápagos National Park
• Leading Institution: Galápagos National Park Directorate (DPNG), Ministry of Environment and Energy (MAE)
• Strategic Allies: Charles Darwin Foundation, Island Conservation, Jocotoco Foundation for Conservation, Galápagos Conservancy

The project has been supported for more than a decade by traveler donations to the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund, which represents the longest-running and largest travel brand associated with the project, underscoring National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ enduring commitment to the stewardship of the Galápagos Islands.

“The release of these giant tortoises is momentous for Floreana Island and the Galápagos,” said Ian Miller, Chief Science Officer, National Geographic Society. “It represents not only the successful restoration efforts of this important ecosystem, which the tortoises will build upon as essential ecosystem engineers, but is a testament to the coordinated and dedicated work of scientists, conservation organizations, local community members, and government agencies to achieve transformational conservation results. We are proud to support these efforts through the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund and look forward to their continued success.”

These tortoises play a critical role in maintaining their ecosystems, spreading seeds of native plants as they burrow and creating habitats for other wildlife. After years of intensive efforts to eradicate invasive species and restore the island’s unique, vibrant ecosystem, the tortoise release is a sign that Floreana Island may one day be able to again support a healthy population of endemic species that once called the island home, and a testament to the efforts of local stakeholders to protect Galápagos’ incredible biodiversity.

This release is part of a carefully staged, science-driven plan extending through 2030, with each species introduction guided by rigorous habitat studies, adaptive management, and community participation.

“The return of giant tortoises to Floreana Island is an extraordinary milestone for the Galápagos and a powerful example of what expedition travel can and should support,” said Amy Berquist, Vice President, Conservation, Education & Sustainability at Lindblad Expeditions. “This achievement reflects years of science, leadership from local stakeholders and governmental bodies, and community collaboration. The success on Floreana is a reminder that when travel is rooted in respect, education, and collaboration, it can help protect the very wonders that draw us there in the first place.”

The Floreana Ecological Restoration Project, led by the Galápagos National Park Directorate and the Galápagos Biosecurity and Quarantine Agency, and co-executed with Fundación Jocotoco, Charles Darwin Foundation, and Island Conservation, was launched more than a decade ago to restore the island’s natural balance through a holistic, community-centered approach.

Since 2015, the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund has provided more than $1 million in sustained support for the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project, supporting the work of two of the project’s co-executors, Jocotoco Foundation for Conservation and Island Conservation, in invasive species eradication, habitat restoration, community engagement, and long-term monitoring efforts critical to ecosystem recovery.

The Floreana project is now recognized as a global model for restoration on inhabited islands, demonstrating that with science, deep community involvement, and coordinated partnership, complete ecological recovery is possible.

About National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions:
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions reveals the beauty and wonder of the world through expertly led, deeply immersive modern expedition cruises designed for discovery and created for curious travelers seeking to experience the world from a new perspective. With 100+ unique itineraries visiting 70+ countries and territories across all seven continents aboard 22 state-of-the-art owned and chartered vessels, Lindblad Expeditions operates the largest, most diverse fleet of mission-built ships in the industry on behalf of the co-brand.

The National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand is the result of a decades-long strategic relationship between renowned exploration and scientific discovery brand National Geographic and the pioneer of modern expedition cruising Lindblad Expeditions. The Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic (LEX-NG) Fund supports projects to understand and protect our world’s ocean, restore critical marine and coastal habitats, and foster environmental stewardship in the regions visited by our fleet, and beyond. The Fund is supported by generous travelers onboard the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet and is made possible by the collaboration between National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions (www.expeditions.com) and National Geographic Society (www.ngs.org).

Media can stay up to date on the latest news from National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions by visiting press.expeditions.com. For reservations or additional information on voyages to some of the most beautiful, remote, and fascinating places on Earth, visit www.expeditions.com, call (855) 734-3271 to speak to an Expedition Specialist, or contact a travel advisor.

Galápagos National Park Directorate (DPNG), Ministry of Environment and Energy (MAE) : The Floreana Ecological Restoration Project
The Floreana Ecological Restoration Project is led by the Galápagos National Park Directorate along with the Biosecurity and Quarantine Agency for Galápagos. It is co‑executed by Fundación Jocotoco, the Charles Darwin Foundation, and Island Conservation, with the support of several partner organizations, including Galápagos Conservancy, which is leading on the tortoise release.

The Galápagos National Park Directorate has led the Floreana Project as part of its island ecosystem restoration strategies, consolidating, after more than a decade of inter-institutional work and scientific support, a model nationally and internationally recognized for ecological restoration.

This project demonstrates that ecosystem recovery is feasible when there is long-term planning, strategic cooperation, and a sustained commitment from the Ecuadorian state to the conservation of the world’s natural heritage. In this context, the release of giant tortoises represents one of the most emblematic milestones of the Floreana Project, highlighting the return of a key species for the island’s ecological functionality and the tangible results of the restoration processes implemented. This project demonstrates that ecosystem recovery is feasible when there is long-term planning, strategic cooperation, and a sustained commitment from the Ecuadorian state to the conservation of the world’s natural heritage. In this context, the release of giant tortoises represents one of the most emblematic milestones of the Floreana Project, highlighting the return of a key species for the island’s ecological functionality and the tangible results of the restoration processes implemented.

Media Contact:
Kristin Sluyk
The Decker Royal Agency
kristin@deckerroyal.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-geographic-lindblad-expeditions-travelers-help-bring-giant-tortoises-back-to-floreana-island-302693974.html

SOURCE National Geographic-Linblad Expeditions

A Decade of Conservation Support Made Possible in Part by Traveler Donations to the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund

NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — More than a century after tortoises became locally extinct on Floreana Island, the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project today released 158 giant tortoises back to the island, marking one of the project’s most anticipated milestones and a powerful sign of ecosystem recovery.

Event Details

• Event: Release of Giant Turtles as Part of the Floreana Project
• Date: February 20, 2026
• Location: Floreana Island, Galápagos National Park
• Leading Institution: Galápagos National Park Directorate (DPNG), Ministry of Environment and Energy (MAE)
• Strategic Allies: Charles Darwin Foundation, Island Conservation, Jocotoco Foundation for Conservation, Galápagos Conservancy

The project has been supported for more than a decade by traveler donations to the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund, which represents the longest-running and largest travel brand associated with the project, underscoring National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ enduring commitment to the stewardship of the Galápagos Islands.

“The release of these giant tortoises is momentous for Floreana Island and the Galápagos,” said Ian Miller, Chief Science Officer, National Geographic Society. “It represents not only the successful restoration efforts of this important ecosystem, which the tortoises will build upon as essential ecosystem engineers, but is a testament to the coordinated and dedicated work of scientists, conservation organizations, local community members, and government agencies to achieve transformational conservation results. We are proud to support these efforts through the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund and look forward to their continued success.”

These tortoises play a critical role in maintaining their ecosystems, spreading seeds of native plants as they burrow and creating habitats for other wildlife. After years of intensive efforts to eradicate invasive species and restore the island’s unique, vibrant ecosystem, the tortoise release is a sign that Floreana Island may one day be able to again support a healthy population of endemic species that once called the island home, and a testament to the efforts of local stakeholders to protect Galápagos’ incredible biodiversity.

This release is part of a carefully staged, science-driven plan extending through 2030, with each species introduction guided by rigorous habitat studies, adaptive management, and community participation.

“The return of giant tortoises to Floreana Island is an extraordinary milestone for the Galápagos and a powerful example of what expedition travel can and should support,” said Amy Berquist, Vice President, Conservation, Education & Sustainability at Lindblad Expeditions. “This achievement reflects years of science, leadership from local stakeholders and governmental bodies, and community collaboration. The success on Floreana is a reminder that when travel is rooted in respect, education, and collaboration, it can help protect the very wonders that draw us there in the first place.”

The Floreana Ecological Restoration Project, led by the Galápagos National Park Directorate and the Galápagos Biosecurity and Quarantine Agency, and co-executed with Fundación Jocotoco, Charles Darwin Foundation, and Island Conservation, was launched more than a decade ago to restore the island’s natural balance through a holistic, community-centered approach.

Since 2015, the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund has provided more than $1 million in sustained support for the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project, supporting the work of two of the project’s co-executors, Jocotoco Foundation for Conservation and Island Conservation, in invasive species eradication, habitat restoration, community engagement, and long-term monitoring efforts critical to ecosystem recovery.

The Floreana project is now recognized as a global model for restoration on inhabited islands, demonstrating that with science, deep community involvement, and coordinated partnership, complete ecological recovery is possible.

About National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions:
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions reveals the beauty and wonder of the world through expertly led, deeply immersive modern expedition cruises designed for discovery and created for curious travelers seeking to experience the world from a new perspective. With 100+ unique itineraries visiting 70+ countries and territories across all seven continents aboard 22 state-of-the-art owned and chartered vessels, Lindblad Expeditions operates the largest, most diverse fleet of mission-built ships in the industry on behalf of the co-brand.

The National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand is the result of a decades-long strategic relationship between renowned exploration and scientific discovery brand National Geographic and the pioneer of modern expedition cruising Lindblad Expeditions. The Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic (LEX-NG) Fund supports projects to understand and protect our world’s ocean, restore critical marine and coastal habitats, and foster environmental stewardship in the regions visited by our fleet, and beyond. The Fund is supported by generous travelers onboard the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet and is made possible by the collaboration between National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions (www.expeditions.com) and National Geographic Society (www.ngs.org).

Media can stay up to date on the latest news from National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions by visiting press.expeditions.com. For reservations or additional information on voyages to some of the most beautiful, remote, and fascinating places on Earth, visit www.expeditions.com, call (855) 734-3271 to speak to an Expedition Specialist, or contact a travel advisor.

Galápagos National Park Directorate (DPNG), Ministry of Environment and Energy (MAE) : The Floreana Ecological Restoration Project
The Floreana Ecological Restoration Project is led by the Galápagos National Park Directorate along with the Biosecurity and Quarantine Agency for Galápagos. It is co‑executed by Fundación Jocotoco, the Charles Darwin Foundation, and Island Conservation, with the support of several partner organizations, including Galápagos Conservancy, which is leading on the tortoise release.

The Galápagos National Park Directorate has led the Floreana Project as part of its island ecosystem restoration strategies, consolidating, after more than a decade of inter-institutional work and scientific support, a model nationally and internationally recognized for ecological restoration.

This project demonstrates that ecosystem recovery is feasible when there is long-term planning, strategic cooperation, and a sustained commitment from the Ecuadorian state to the conservation of the world’s natural heritage. In this context, the release of giant tortoises represents one of the most emblematic milestones of the Floreana Project, highlighting the return of a key species for the island’s ecological functionality and the tangible results of the restoration processes implemented. This project demonstrates that ecosystem recovery is feasible when there is long-term planning, strategic cooperation, and a sustained commitment from the Ecuadorian state to the conservation of the world’s natural heritage. In this context, the release of giant tortoises represents one of the most emblematic milestones of the Floreana Project, highlighting the return of a key species for the island’s ecological functionality and the tangible results of the restoration processes implemented.

Media Contact:
Kristin Sluyk
The Decker Royal Agency
kristin@deckerroyal.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-geographic-lindblad-expeditions-travelers-help-bring-giant-tortoises-back-to-floreana-island-302693974.html

SOURCE National Geographic-Linblad Expeditions

The Bank’s 2025 community impact also included more than $31 million in charitable investments and over 4,000 employee volunteer hours.

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In 2025, Credit One Bank invested $6.55 million and more than 4,400 volunteer hours into Southern Nevada, with a major focus on expanding youth financial education through partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada and Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada. The Bank supported 32 Las Vegas-based charities and one national organization, strengthening access to housing, employment services and hands-on financial literacy programming.

“Reflecting on the work that we have done at our organization over the last year has been truly rewarding, and it’s an honor be surrounded by countless individuals who care so deeply about giving back to their community,” said Mamta Kapoor, Executive Vice President of Partnerships at Credit One Bank. “It is the people who make up Credit One Bank that made this year so remarkable. Through our employees alone, we served 5,900 meals to those in need, donated 3,286 items to local charities, impacted 357 lives through blood donations, and much more. We look forward to continuing this trend into 2026 and beyond.”

Credit One Bank is dedicated to giving back to the community of Southern Nevada through three pillars of giving: Affordable Housing & Homelessness, Employment Services, and Financial Education. More information about how each pillar of giving was supported in 2025 is below:

Financial Education

• Through its partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, Credit One Bank worked with 276 teens to build and operate simulated micro-economies, applying real-world budgeting and business skills. Following the program:
  • 86% of participants correctly identified the role of a budget in responsible spending.
  • 95% agreed that saving money is just as important as earning it.
• In partnership with Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada, 5,329 students participated in BizTown and Finance Park programs, receiving 95,892 cumulative contact hours of hands-on financial learning.
• The Bank also partnered with Green Our Planet to expand financial literacy education in local schools.
• “Financial literacy is one of the most important life skills we can teach young people,” said Andy Bischel, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada. “Through our partnership with Credit One Bank, teens are gaining hands-on experience managing money, making decisions and understanding the long-term impact of saving. These programs are helping our youth build confidence and skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives.”

Affordable Housing & Homelessness

• 2025 marked the start of Credit One Bank’s partnership with the Kline Veterans Fund, providing crucial housing assistance to veterans and their families in need. Over the last year, the Bank helped more than 100 veterans and veteran families access housing support through the Kline Veterans Fund, along with additional services that promote long-term stability:
  • Housing security for 61 individuals through the Fund’s ‘Home For the Brave’ initiative
  • Helping 29 veteran families keep their homes through rent and mortgage assistance
  • Providing security deposit assistance to six veteran families
  • Providing funding to another 16 families to ensure that their crucial services stayed intact
• Additionally, Credit One Bank continued its dedication to long-term partners such as the Las Vegas Rescue Mission and Neighborhood Housing Services of Southern Nevada, both of which the Bank has supported for 20 years, and expanded its support to organizations including Olive Crest and Kline Veterans Fund, both of which the Bank began supporting over the last year.

Employment Services

• These initiatives included the expansion of the One For The Community Scholarship to support 21 students in Southern Nevada. Through longstanding partnerships with organizations such as Family Promise Las Vegas, U.S. VETS, HELP of Southern Nevada, and others, Credit One Bank helped families and individuals facing adversity access critical resources needed to secure employment and build long-term stability.
• This support shined through in the opening of the Credit One Bank Family Promise Navigation Center in September 2025.
  • The center marks the Bank’s 15-year relationship with the nonprofit
  • The 12,500 square foot state-of-the-art facility offers at-risk families with children temporary home
  • Since its opening, the center has assisted 17 families
• A special moment in 2025 was the return and expansion of the annual One For The Community Scholarship in partnership with the Public Education Foundation.
  • The scholarship increased its number of recipients from 15 to 21 low-to-moderate-income students, each of whom will be pursing higher education in the state of Nevada
  • Each recipient received an initial $2,500 for their first year of higher education, and is eligible to continue receiving yearly scholarships for up to four years, granting each student a potential total of $10,000
  • In total, the scholarship has supported 47 students over the last three years

Sports Partnerships

• Through partnerships with the Las Vegas Raiders, Las Vegas Aviators and Vegas Golden Knights, Credit One Bank expanded its community impact through innovative programming and charitable giving.
  • In 2025, through the annual One For The Community program, Credit One Bank donated:
    • $50,000 to Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada
    • $50,000 to the Maxx Crosby Foundation
      • Since launching in 2021, One For The Community has supported seven nonprofits and contributed $500,000 in total
  • The Bank’s Number One Fan program also continued in 2025, providing memorable sports experiences to local families and youth facing adversity.

In addition to grants provided to nonprofits, Credit One Bank supports its local community through direct impact investing in partnership with Community Capital Management (CCM). In 2025, the Credit One Bank Community Reinvestment Program invested over $14.5 million to address the critical issue of affordable housing in Southern Nevada. The CCM fund provides financial support creating a positive impact on low-to-moderate-income families in obtaining a home.

The full 2025 Community Impact Report can be found here. For more information on Credit One Bank and its charitable contributions, visit CreditOneBank.com.

About Credit One Bank:
Credit One Bank is a financial services company and one of the fastest-growing credit card issuers in the U.S. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Las Vegas, Credit One Bank offers a full spectrum of credit card products including cash back and points-based cards as well as high-yield certificate of deposit and savings accounts. Credit One Bank is also an official partner of the Las Vegas Raiders and the Official Credit Card of NASCAR, the Vegas Golden Knights, and Best Friends Animal Society. Learn more at CreditOneBank.com, in our Newsroom, or on social media (@CreditOneBank) on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Credit One Bank Contact Information
Kirvin Doak Communications
CreditOneBank@kirvindoak.com
702.737.3100

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/credit-one-bank-announces-2025-community-impact-report-celebrating-6-55-million-donated-to-32-las-vegas-non-profits-302693929.html

SOURCE Credit One Bank

The Bank’s 2025 community impact also included more than $31 million in charitable investments and over 4,000 employee volunteer hours.

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In 2025, Credit One Bank invested $6.55 million and more than 4,400 volunteer hours into Southern Nevada, with a major focus on expanding youth financial education through partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada and Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada. The Bank supported 32 Las Vegas-based charities and one national organization, strengthening access to housing, employment services and hands-on financial literacy programming.

“Reflecting on the work that we have done at our organization over the last year has been truly rewarding, and it’s an honor be surrounded by countless individuals who care so deeply about giving back to their community,” said Mamta Kapoor, Executive Vice President of Partnerships at Credit One Bank. “It is the people who make up Credit One Bank that made this year so remarkable. Through our employees alone, we served 5,900 meals to those in need, donated 3,286 items to local charities, impacted 357 lives through blood donations, and much more. We look forward to continuing this trend into 2026 and beyond.”

Credit One Bank is dedicated to giving back to the community of Southern Nevada through three pillars of giving: Affordable Housing & Homelessness, Employment Services, and Financial Education. More information about how each pillar of giving was supported in 2025 is below:

Financial Education

• Through its partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, Credit One Bank worked with 276 teens to build and operate simulated micro-economies, applying real-world budgeting and business skills. Following the program:
  • 86% of participants correctly identified the role of a budget in responsible spending.
  • 95% agreed that saving money is just as important as earning it.
• In partnership with Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada, 5,329 students participated in BizTown and Finance Park programs, receiving 95,892 cumulative contact hours of hands-on financial learning.
• The Bank also partnered with Green Our Planet to expand financial literacy education in local schools.
• “Financial literacy is one of the most important life skills we can teach young people,” said Andy Bischel, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada. “Through our partnership with Credit One Bank, teens are gaining hands-on experience managing money, making decisions and understanding the long-term impact of saving. These programs are helping our youth build confidence and skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives.”

Affordable Housing & Homelessness

• 2025 marked the start of Credit One Bank’s partnership with the Kline Veterans Fund, providing crucial housing assistance to veterans and their families in need. Over the last year, the Bank helped more than 100 veterans and veteran families access housing support through the Kline Veterans Fund, along with additional services that promote long-term stability:
  • Housing security for 61 individuals through the Fund’s ‘Home For the Brave’ initiative
  • Helping 29 veteran families keep their homes through rent and mortgage assistance
  • Providing security deposit assistance to six veteran families
  • Providing funding to another 16 families to ensure that their crucial services stayed intact
• Additionally, Credit One Bank continued its dedication to long-term partners such as the Las Vegas Rescue Mission and Neighborhood Housing Services of Southern Nevada, both of which the Bank has supported for 20 years, and expanded its support to organizations including Olive Crest and Kline Veterans Fund, both of which the Bank began supporting over the last year.

Employment Services

• These initiatives included the expansion of the One For The Community Scholarship to support 21 students in Southern Nevada. Through longstanding partnerships with organizations such as Family Promise Las Vegas, U.S. VETS, HELP of Southern Nevada, and others, Credit One Bank helped families and individuals facing adversity access critical resources needed to secure employment and build long-term stability.
• This support shined through in the opening of the Credit One Bank Family Promise Navigation Center in September 2025.
  • The center marks the Bank’s 15-year relationship with the nonprofit
  • The 12,500 square foot state-of-the-art facility offers at-risk families with children temporary home
  • Since its opening, the center has assisted 17 families
• A special moment in 2025 was the return and expansion of the annual One For The Community Scholarship in partnership with the Public Education Foundation.
  • The scholarship increased its number of recipients from 15 to 21 low-to-moderate-income students, each of whom will be pursing higher education in the state of Nevada
  • Each recipient received an initial $2,500 for their first year of higher education, and is eligible to continue receiving yearly scholarships for up to four years, granting each student a potential total of $10,000
  • In total, the scholarship has supported 47 students over the last three years

Sports Partnerships

• Through partnerships with the Las Vegas Raiders, Las Vegas Aviators and Vegas Golden Knights, Credit One Bank expanded its community impact through innovative programming and charitable giving.
  • In 2025, through the annual One For The Community program, Credit One Bank donated:
    • $50,000 to Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada
    • $50,000 to the Maxx Crosby Foundation
      • Since launching in 2021, One For The Community has supported seven nonprofits and contributed $500,000 in total
  • The Bank’s Number One Fan program also continued in 2025, providing memorable sports experiences to local families and youth facing adversity.

In addition to grants provided to nonprofits, Credit One Bank supports its local community through direct impact investing in partnership with Community Capital Management (CCM). In 2025, the Credit One Bank Community Reinvestment Program invested over $14.5 million to address the critical issue of affordable housing in Southern Nevada. The CCM fund provides financial support creating a positive impact on low-to-moderate-income families in obtaining a home.

The full 2025 Community Impact Report can be found here. For more information on Credit One Bank and its charitable contributions, visit CreditOneBank.com.

About Credit One Bank:
Credit One Bank is a financial services company and one of the fastest-growing credit card issuers in the U.S. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Las Vegas, Credit One Bank offers a full spectrum of credit card products including cash back and points-based cards as well as high-yield certificate of deposit and savings accounts. Credit One Bank is also an official partner of the Las Vegas Raiders and the Official Credit Card of NASCAR, the Vegas Golden Knights, and Best Friends Animal Society. Learn more at CreditOneBank.com, in our Newsroom, or on social media (@CreditOneBank) on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Credit One Bank Contact Information
Kirvin Doak Communications
CreditOneBank@kirvindoak.com
702.737.3100

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/credit-one-bank-announces-2025-community-impact-report-celebrating-6-55-million-donated-to-32-las-vegas-non-profits-302693929.html

SOURCE Credit One Bank

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — New legislation, SB 1301 by Senator Ben Allen, was introduced today to help homeowners and renters avoid nonrenewal and keep their home insurance. The bill is cosponsored by Consumer Watchdog and the Eaton Fire Survivors Network to strengthen transparency and create a path to maintain coverage for fire survivors and consumers across the state. 

SB 1301 would require property insurance companies to give six months notice before nonrenewing a policy, clearly disclose the reasons for nonrenewal and any information used to make that decision, and give consumers time to make repairs that would qualify them to keep their coverage. The bill would also prevent insurance companies from nonrenewing a home, condo or renters policy simply because a consumer inquired about a claim, filed a claim that wasn’t paid, or had a paid claim for an issue that is resolved.

“Insurance companies have rules about what homes they cover but families losing coverage never get a chance to meet them. Too many Californians have lost their insurance coverage without explanation, because of bad information or simply because they filed a claim. SB 1301 gives consumers information they can act on to keep their policy, and a right to use their insurance without losing it,” said Carmen Balber, executive director of Consumer Watchdog.

California ranks 4th highest in the nation for non-renewals, according to a Congressional investigation in December of 2024, and the FAIR Plan, consumers’ last resort when they cannot get coverage in the private market, has seen enrollment double in just two years.

“Property insurance is a foundational pillar that safeguards the wellbeing of residents everywhere,” said Senator Allen. “Too many Californians are losing this critical support system without a proper explanation or opportunity to retain coverage, unnecessarily risking their livelihoods. SB 1301 will put an end to that.”

“This is about keeping families in our homes. Right now, people are being dropped without warning or explanation, left scrambling and scared. Californians deserve a fair chance to stay insured and protect the life we’ve built,” said Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network.

A constant complaint from consumers is that home insurance nonrenewal letters are vague, rarely include documentation, and don’t provide a path to maintain coverage, said Consumer Watchdog. This opaqueness makes compliance impossible for policyholders, and allows insurers to drop policies for safe homes without accountability. 

One San Francisco homeowner’s experience shows the need for the bill. The teacher and school bus driver was dropped by her insurance company for algae and mold on her roof according to Google Earth. She hired an inspector that certified no issues on the roof or chimney, yet was still dropped.

Polling by FM3 Research in October 2025 shows 81% of California voters strongly support requiring insurance companies to provide a policy owner with a documented reason for cancellation or non-renewal, and the right to appeal a cancellation or non-renewal

The legislation will:

• Give homeowners six months’ notice if their insurance will be nonrenewed.
• Require disclosure of specific reasons from insurer underwriting guidelines for the nonrenewal, and any information used to make that decision including details about wildfire risk.
• Require a clear explanation of any repairs that would qualify a homeowner for renewal.
• Give policyholders more time to make home repairs, provide new information, or appeal incorrect information to keep their insurance. 
• Prevent insurance companies for non-renewing or denying coverage because a policyholder inquires about a claim, makes a claim the insurer does not pay, or makes a claim for which the policyholder wasn’t at fault and the risk of loss has been removed.

Consumer Watchdog is supporting or co-sponsoring several other bills addressing home insurance claims, access and affordability this year.

SB 877 (Pérez), cosponsored by Consumer Watchdog and the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, helps consumers challenge claim underpayments by requiring insurers to disclose all original loss estimates and all revisions so homeowners can see how their payout was calculated, what changes were made, and why.

SB 878 (Pérez), cosponsored by Consumer Watchdog and the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, strengthens existing laws on claim delays by imposing a 20% interest penalty when insurers don’t make payments on time and eliminating insurers’ incentive to stay silent on portions of a claim.

SB 1076 (Pérez), cosponsored by Consumer Watchdog and the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, would require insurance companies to offer and renew coverage for homeowners who make their homes fire-safe.

SB 982 (Wiener), the Affordable Insurance and Recovery Act, would help make home insurance affordable and available in California. It would allow the Attorney General to take large oil and gas corporations to court to hold them accountable and return funds to Californians, who are currently bearing these costs through high insurance premiums.

AB 1642 (Harabedian) would establish statewide science-based standards for post-fire home testing and clearance. 70% of survivors whose homes have been tested have found contaminants above acceptable levels yet the largest hurdle to completing remediation is that insurance will not cover it, according to a Department of Angels survey.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-california-legislation-would-give-consumers-new-paths-to-keep-home-insurance-coverage-says-consumer-watchdog-302693875.html

SOURCE Consumer Watchdog

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — New legislation, SB 1301 by Senator Ben Allen, was introduced today to help homeowners and renters avoid nonrenewal and keep their home insurance. The bill is cosponsored by Consumer Watchdog and the Eaton Fire Survivors Network to strengthen transparency and create a path to maintain coverage for fire survivors and consumers across the state. 

SB 1301 would require property insurance companies to give six months notice before nonrenewing a policy, clearly disclose the reasons for nonrenewal and any information used to make that decision, and give consumers time to make repairs that would qualify them to keep their coverage. The bill would also prevent insurance companies from nonrenewing a home, condo or renters policy simply because a consumer inquired about a claim, filed a claim that wasn’t paid, or had a paid claim for an issue that is resolved.

“Insurance companies have rules about what homes they cover but families losing coverage never get a chance to meet them. Too many Californians have lost their insurance coverage without explanation, because of bad information or simply because they filed a claim. SB 1301 gives consumers information they can act on to keep their policy, and a right to use their insurance without losing it,” said Carmen Balber, executive director of Consumer Watchdog.

California ranks 4th highest in the nation for non-renewals, according to a Congressional investigation in December of 2024, and the FAIR Plan, consumers’ last resort when they cannot get coverage in the private market, has seen enrollment double in just two years.

“Property insurance is a foundational pillar that safeguards the wellbeing of residents everywhere,” said Senator Allen. “Too many Californians are losing this critical support system without a proper explanation or opportunity to retain coverage, unnecessarily risking their livelihoods. SB 1301 will put an end to that.”

“This is about keeping families in our homes. Right now, people are being dropped without warning or explanation, left scrambling and scared. Californians deserve a fair chance to stay insured and protect the life we’ve built,” said Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network.

A constant complaint from consumers is that home insurance nonrenewal letters are vague, rarely include documentation, and don’t provide a path to maintain coverage, said Consumer Watchdog. This opaqueness makes compliance impossible for policyholders, and allows insurers to drop policies for safe homes without accountability. 

One San Francisco homeowner’s experience shows the need for the bill. The teacher and school bus driver was dropped by her insurance company for algae and mold on her roof according to Google Earth. She hired an inspector that certified no issues on the roof or chimney, yet was still dropped.

Polling by FM3 Research in October 2025 shows 81% of California voters strongly support requiring insurance companies to provide a policy owner with a documented reason for cancellation or non-renewal, and the right to appeal a cancellation or non-renewal

The legislation will:

• Give homeowners six months’ notice if their insurance will be nonrenewed.
• Require disclosure of specific reasons from insurer underwriting guidelines for the nonrenewal, and any information used to make that decision including details about wildfire risk.
• Require a clear explanation of any repairs that would qualify a homeowner for renewal.
• Give policyholders more time to make home repairs, provide new information, or appeal incorrect information to keep their insurance. 
• Prevent insurance companies for non-renewing or denying coverage because a policyholder inquires about a claim, makes a claim the insurer does not pay, or makes a claim for which the policyholder wasn’t at fault and the risk of loss has been removed.

Consumer Watchdog is supporting or co-sponsoring several other bills addressing home insurance claims, access and affordability this year.

SB 877 (Pérez), cosponsored by Consumer Watchdog and the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, helps consumers challenge claim underpayments by requiring insurers to disclose all original loss estimates and all revisions so homeowners can see how their payout was calculated, what changes were made, and why.

SB 878 (Pérez), cosponsored by Consumer Watchdog and the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, strengthens existing laws on claim delays by imposing a 20% interest penalty when insurers don’t make payments on time and eliminating insurers’ incentive to stay silent on portions of a claim.

SB 1076 (Pérez), cosponsored by Consumer Watchdog and the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, would require insurance companies to offer and renew coverage for homeowners who make their homes fire-safe.

SB 982 (Wiener), the Affordable Insurance and Recovery Act, would help make home insurance affordable and available in California. It would allow the Attorney General to take large oil and gas corporations to court to hold them accountable and return funds to Californians, who are currently bearing these costs through high insurance premiums.

AB 1642 (Harabedian) would establish statewide science-based standards for post-fire home testing and clearance. 70% of survivors whose homes have been tested have found contaminants above acceptable levels yet the largest hurdle to completing remediation is that insurance will not cover it, according to a Department of Angels survey.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-california-legislation-would-give-consumers-new-paths-to-keep-home-insurance-coverage-says-consumer-watchdog-302693875.html

SOURCE Consumer Watchdog

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — New legislation, SB 1301 by Senator Ben Allen, was introduced today to help homeowners and renters avoid nonrenewal and keep their home insurance. The bill is cosponsored by Consumer Watchdog and the Eaton Fire Survivors Network to strengthen transparency and create a path to maintain coverage for fire survivors and consumers across the state. 

SB 1301 would require property insurance companies to give six months notice before nonrenewing a policy, clearly disclose the reasons for nonrenewal and any information used to make that decision, and give consumers time to make repairs that would qualify them to keep their coverage. The bill would also prevent insurance companies from nonrenewing a home, condo or renters policy simply because a consumer inquired about a claim, filed a claim that wasn’t paid, or had a paid claim for an issue that is resolved.

“Insurance companies have rules about what homes they cover but families losing coverage never get a chance to meet them. Too many Californians have lost their insurance coverage without explanation, because of bad information or simply because they filed a claim. SB 1301 gives consumers information they can act on to keep their policy, and a right to use their insurance without losing it,” said Carmen Balber, executive director of Consumer Watchdog.

California ranks 4th highest in the nation for non-renewals, according to a Congressional investigation in December of 2024, and the FAIR Plan, consumers’ last resort when they cannot get coverage in the private market, has seen enrollment double in just two years.

“Property insurance is a foundational pillar that safeguards the wellbeing of residents everywhere,” said Senator Allen. “Too many Californians are losing this critical support system without a proper explanation or opportunity to retain coverage, unnecessarily risking their livelihoods. SB 1301 will put an end to that.”

“This is about keeping families in our homes. Right now, people are being dropped without warning or explanation, left scrambling and scared. Californians deserve a fair chance to stay insured and protect the life we’ve built,” said Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network.

A constant complaint from consumers is that home insurance nonrenewal letters are vague, rarely include documentation, and don’t provide a path to maintain coverage, said Consumer Watchdog. This opaqueness makes compliance impossible for policyholders, and allows insurers to drop policies for safe homes without accountability. 

One San Francisco homeowner’s experience shows the need for the bill. The teacher and school bus driver was dropped by her insurance company for algae and mold on her roof according to Google Earth. She hired an inspector that certified no issues on the roof or chimney, yet was still dropped.

Polling by FM3 Research in October 2025 shows 81% of California voters strongly support requiring insurance companies to provide a policy owner with a documented reason for cancellation or non-renewal, and the right to appeal a cancellation or non-renewal

The legislation will:

• Give homeowners six months’ notice if their insurance will be nonrenewed.
• Require disclosure of specific reasons from insurer underwriting guidelines for the nonrenewal, and any information used to make that decision including details about wildfire risk.
• Require a clear explanation of any repairs that would qualify a homeowner for renewal.
• Give policyholders more time to make home repairs, provide new information, or appeal incorrect information to keep their insurance. 
• Prevent insurance companies for non-renewing or denying coverage because a policyholder inquires about a claim, makes a claim the insurer does not pay, or makes a claim for which the policyholder wasn’t at fault and the risk of loss has been removed.

Consumer Watchdog is supporting or co-sponsoring several other bills addressing home insurance claims, access and affordability this year.

SB 877 (Pérez), cosponsored by Consumer Watchdog and the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, helps consumers challenge claim underpayments by requiring insurers to disclose all original loss estimates and all revisions so homeowners can see how their payout was calculated, what changes were made, and why.

SB 878 (Pérez), cosponsored by Consumer Watchdog and the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, strengthens existing laws on claim delays by imposing a 20% interest penalty when insurers don’t make payments on time and eliminating insurers’ incentive to stay silent on portions of a claim.

SB 1076 (Pérez), cosponsored by Consumer Watchdog and the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, would require insurance companies to offer and renew coverage for homeowners who make their homes fire-safe.

SB 982 (Wiener), the Affordable Insurance and Recovery Act, would help make home insurance affordable and available in California. It would allow the Attorney General to take large oil and gas corporations to court to hold them accountable and return funds to Californians, who are currently bearing these costs through high insurance premiums.

AB 1642 (Harabedian) would establish statewide science-based standards for post-fire home testing and clearance. 70% of survivors whose homes have been tested have found contaminants above acceptable levels yet the largest hurdle to completing remediation is that insurance will not cover it, according to a Department of Angels survey.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-california-legislation-would-give-consumers-new-paths-to-keep-home-insurance-coverage-says-consumer-watchdog-302693875.html

SOURCE Consumer Watchdog