Committee advances AB 2700 to study restitution options for pre‑July 12, 2019 utility‑caused wildfire victims

Assemblymember Patterson introduced AB 2700 as a bill that would require the relevant commission to prepare a report recommending mechanisms for restitution to victims of utility-caused wildfires occurring before July 12, 2019. Patterson said he took the bill from then-congressman James Gallagher and emphasized the bill’s focus on compensating victims of utility-caused fires.

A witness identified in the record as Abrams told the committee that "there are thousands of wildfire survivors really counting on this bill" and described the measure as "about justice, about getting victims fairly, fully, and timely compensated." The committee moved to concur in the Senate amendments and recorded a vote advancing the bill; the chair left the roll open for absent members to add on.