Committee sends wildfire mitigation bill for utilities to the House after amending recovery language

Chairman Dobrinsky presented House Bill 2,989 and an amendment that narrows recovery language and gives regulators discretion to approve reasonable mitigation costs. The bill would let utilities prepare wildfire mitigation plans, create a wildfire mitigation revolving fund, and require a conservation commission pilot to refine strategies around transmission and substations.

Representative Dekkerak asked whether adoption of a mitigation plan could become evidence in court; Dobrinsky said the bill is not intended to create a liability shield and that plans would be optional and not an immunity from negligence. The sponsor said the amendment prevents blanket recovery of every mitigation expense and allows regulators to approve only reasonable and prudent costs.

Members raised insurer concerns and the need to balance making voluntary mitigation attractive without creating higher liability exposure for companies that go beyond code. The committee moved and reported the bill as due passed.

The sponsor said negotiations were ongoing with insurers and other stakeholders and pledged to continue working to refine language prior to the floor.