Oregon House passes wildfire bill adding utility safety certification, victim tax relief and a catastrophic-risk study

The Oregon House passed House Bill 39 84 on third reading June 27, establishing a PUC‑administered wildfire safety certification for investor‑owned utilities, directing a third‑party study of catastrophic risk and recovery, and including tax‑related provisions for wildfire victims whose litigation spans the federal tax relief period.

Supporters said the bill sets standards to hold utilities to clearer wildfire‑mitigation expectations and funds a study to identify scenarios and recovery needs. Representative Marsh, the bill’s principal carrier, told colleagues the measure directs the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to require utilities applying for a wildfire safety certification to document implementation of their wildfire protection plans, address outstanding audit findings and, where appropriate, provide third‑party reviews of risk‑reduction work. The bill also charges the PUC with contracting a consultant…