Relating to wildfires; declaring an emergency.
Summary
] [ Requires the Public Utility Commission to study wildfires. Directs the commission to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to energy no later than September 15, 2026. ] [ Sunsets on January 2, 2027. ] Provides that an electric company that is found to be liable for damages in a civil action arising out of allegations that the conduct of the electric company caused or substantially contributed to a wildfire shall also be liable for any federal income tax liability that a plaintiff or class member owes or pays on amounts the plaintiff or class member receives in relation to the civil action. Allows a plaintiff or class member to seek a supplemental judgment to recover from the electric company for the federal income tax liability. Requires an electric company to apply for a wildfire safety certification. Directs the Public Utility Commission to issue a certification if the applicant is implementing a wildfire protection plan and meets certain requirements. Provides that a certification establishes that the applicant has implemented wildfire policies and practices consistent with wildfire safety standards. Provides that a certification does not establish immunity against claims for damages resulting from a wildfire. Directs the commission to commission a study to examine issues related to catastrophic wildfire risk and recovery and develop scenarios for a balanced solution. Directs the commission to provide an interim report on the study's findings and recommendations to the committees of the Legislative Assembly related to energy and environment during the 2026 regular session and provide recommendations for a stakeholder process to follow the final study report. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jun 2025
Committee Review
Jun 2025
House Passage
Jun 2025
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jun 12, 2025
Last action Jun 27, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
Introduced
→
A-Engrossed
·
5 edits
·
Jun 27, 2025
MODERATE
The bill expanded from a simple study requirement to include new liability rules for electric companies in wildfire lawsuits, a wildfire safety certification program, and a more detailed study on catastrophic wildfire risks. The original version only required the Public Utility Commission to study wildfires and submit a report, while the amended version adds significant new obligations for electric companies.
Scope change
The bill's scope significantly expanded from a study-only mandate to include civil liability for federal income taxes owed by wildfire plaintiffs, a new wildfire safety certification program for electric companies, and a more comprehensive study on catastrophic wildfire risk and recovery.
LIABILITY
Electric companies found liable for wildfire damages must also pay federal income taxes owed by plaintiffs receiving settlement amounts.
REQUIREMENT
Electric companies must annually apply for a wildfire safety certification from the Public Utility Commission.
STUDY
The study requirement expanded to examine catastrophic wildfire risk and recovery and develop balanced solutions.
DEFINITION
Added specific definitions for 'electric company' and 'retail electricity consumer' with thresholds for applicability.
TIMELINE
Added emergency declaration effective on passage and specific applicability dates for wildfire incidents.
Floor votes · House Jun 27, 2025
How they voted
33–17
Passed · 9 other
Total votes 59
Jun 27, 2025
D
Democratic36
69% Yea
R
Republican23
34% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
11
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Jun 27, 2025
Introduced
First reading. Referred to President's desk.
upper
Jun 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
Rules suspended. Third reading as Special Order of Business. Carried by Marsh, Kropf. Passed.
lower
Jun 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
Recommendation: Do pass with amendments and be printed A-Engrossed.
lower
Jun 12, 2025
Committee
Referred to Rules.
lower
Jun 12, 2025
Introduced
First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
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