Bill
Bill > HB3161
OR HB3161
Relating to public utility liabilities arising out of wildfire litigation; prescribing an effective date.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
In Committee
01/17/2025
01/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025 Legislative Measures
Bill Summary
The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: Bans a public utility from raising rates if there are unresolved wildfire lawsuits for three or more years. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.6). Prohibits a public utility from increasing the public utility’s rates or schedules of rates if the public utility has, for a period of three or more years, outstanding or contingent liabilities arising out of wildfire-related litigation. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
AI Summary
This bill addresses public utility rate increases in the context of wildfire-related litigation, specifically targeting wildfires that occurred between July 5 and December 1, 2020, which were either declared a state emergency, subject to the Emergency Conflagration Act, or recognized as a federally declared disaster. The legislation prohibits a public utility from raising its rates or applying to the Public Utility Commission for rate increases if the utility has outstanding or contingent liabilities from wildfire-related litigation that have remained unresolved for three or more years. Wildfire-related litigation is defined as legal actions seeking compensation for losses, expenses, or damages caused by a wildfire. The bill is temporary, with its provisions set to be repealed on January 2, 2036, and will take effect 91 days after the adjournment of the 2025 regular legislative session. This measure appears designed to provide financial protection for consumers by preventing utility rate hikes while significant legal claims related to specific wildfires remain unresolved.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (8)
Jami Cate (R)*,
Ed Diehl (R)*,
David Gomberg (D)*,
Virgle Osborne (R)*,
Willy Chotzen (D),
John Lively (D),
Travis Nelson (D),
Daniel Nguyen (D),
Last Action
Referred to Judiciary. (on 01/17/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3161 |
| Open Government Impact Statement for HB3161 INTRO | https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Downloads/MeasureAnalysisDocument/84130 |
| BillText | https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB3161/Introduced |
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