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Senate passes wildfire mitigation standard of care for utilities amid disputes over damages
Summary
Senate Bill 11 83, establishing a utility wildfire-mitigation standard of care and a rebuttable-presumption liability framework, passed after lengthy debate (24–11). Sponsors described the measure as balancing utility planning and liability; critics said its remedies may exclude medical and wrongful-death damages.
The Idaho Senate passed Senate Bill 11 83 on March 24, a high-profile measure that defines a wildfire-mitigation standard of care for electric utilities, requires utilities to file wildfire-mitigation plans with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and creates a rebuttable presumption limiting liability when a utility’s approved plan is followed.
Senator Woodward, the bill sponsor, said the measure implements a governor’s report recommendation and seeks to preserve “safe, reliable, and affordable power” by defining a standard of care, requiring plans, and giving the PUC authority to…
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