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Montana committee hears hours of testimony on HB 490, a bid to limit strict‑liability for utilities while requiring wildfire mitigation plans
Summary
HB 490 would require electric utilities to file wildfire mitigation plans and replaces a strict‑liability approach with a negligence standard tied to plan compliance; proponents from utilities and contractors support it while insurers, landowners, environmental groups and the Public Service Commission raised concerns about coverage, subrogation and regulatory capacity.
Representative Amy Regier, sponsor of House Bill 490, told the House Judiciary Committee the bill is intended to let electric cooperatives and utilities continue delivering safe, affordable power by requiring wildfire mitigation plans while preventing a strict‑liability standard for wildfire damages in Montana (Representative Amy Regier). She said the bill would require mitigation plans with specifications such as vegetation management, inspections, maintenance, line de‑energization procedures and public outreach, and would subject regulated utilities' plans to review by the Montana Public Service Commission or by co‑op boards.
Proponents from the utility sector and large customers described existing mitigation work and urged the committee to pass the bill. Mark Lambrecht, director of government relations for the Montana Electric Cooperatives Association, said many co‑ops already have plans in place and that removing strict liability would help protect small, member‑owned providers from…
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