Bill > S1183

This bill establishes the Wildfire Standard of Care Act, which requires electric utilities in Idaho to develop and implement comprehensive wildfire mitigation plans that are reviewed and approved by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission. The legislation mandates that electric corporations identify areas with heightened wildfire risks, outline preventative actions, conduct community outreach, coordinate with local officials, design power lines to minimize fire risk, monitor weather conditions, and establish inspection and vegetation management protocols. The bill provides a legal framework that creates a rebuttable presumption of non-negligence for electric corporations if they reasonably implement a commission-approved wildfire mitigation plan, effectively offering some liability protection. Electric utilities must submit annual reports detailing their compliance with these plans, and the plans must be reviewed and updated annually. The law aims to balance wildfire risk mitigation with cost-effectiveness, ensuring that electric power remains affordable while protecting public safety. Notably, the bill allows electric corporations limited access to rights-of-way for fire prevention activities if landowners do not respond to access requests, and it establishes this act as the primary civil remedy for wildfire-related damages against electric utilities. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Government Affairs, Justice

State Affairs Committee (S)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/S1183/