House passes wildfire-mitigation utility liability bill after heated debate over homeowner recourse and rate impact

The Wyoming House on Feb. 12 passed House Bill 192, a measure that creates a rebuttable presumption limiting utility liability for wildfires when a utility has an approved mitigation plan, after heated debate over whether homeowners should retain easy paths to recover non-economic losses.

The bill, sponsored by Representative J.T. Larson, directs utilities to develop wildfire mitigation plans to be reviewed by the Public Service Commission (PSC). If a utility complies with an approved plan, the bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that the utility was not negligent; plaintiffs may still sue but must introduce evidence to overcome the presumption. The statute explicitly preserves causes of action for gross negligence and willful misconduct. Representative Larson and other supporters said the measure protects small member-owned cooperatives from bankruptcy and preserves incentives for utilities to invest in mitigation.

Opponents pressed for clearer homeowner remedies. Representative Lean offered two third‑reading amendments: the…