summary
Introduced
06/12/2025
06/12/2025
In Committee
06/27/2025
06/27/2025
Crossed Over
06/27/2025
06/27/2025
Passed
Dead
06/27/2025
06/27/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Legislative Measures
Bill Summary
The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: Makes a power company liable for any federal income taxes that a party owes or pays on amounts that the party gets in the civil action. Tells the PUC to study issues related to big wildfires. States findings and intent. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.0). Digest: Makes the PUC do a study on wildfires and submit a report. (Flesch Readability Score: 81.8). Requires the Public Utility Commission to study wildfires. Directs the commission to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to energy no later than September 15, 2026. Sunsets on January 2, 2027. Provides that an electric company that is found to be liable for damages in a civil action arising out of allegations that the conduct of the electric company caused or substantially contributed to a wildfire shall also be liable for any federal income tax liability that a plaintiff or class member owes or pays on amounts the plaintiff or class member receives in relation to the civil action. Allows a plaintiff or class member to seek a supplemental judgment to recover from the electric company for the federal income tax liability. Requires an electric company to apply for a wildfire safety certification. Directs the Public Utility Commission to issue a certification if the applicant is implementing a wildfire protection plan and meets certain requirements. Provides that a certification establishes that the applicant has implemented wildfire policies and practices consistent with wildfire safety standards. Provides that a certification does not establish immunity against claims for damages resulting from a wildfire. Directs the commission to commission a study to examine issues related to catastrophic wildfire risk and recovery and develop scenarios for a balanced solution. Directs the com- mission to provide an interim report on the study’s findings and recommendations to the committees of the Legislative Assembly related to energy and environment during the 2026 regular session and provide recommendations for a stakeholder process to follow the final study report. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
AI Summary
This bill addresses wildfire safety and liability for electric companies in Oregon, introducing several key provisions. The legislation requires electric companies serving over 25,000 retail electricity consumers to file annually for a wildfire safety certification from the Public Utility Commission (PUC), demonstrating their commitment to wildfire prevention through approved protection plans, mitigation expenditures, safety training, and risk management practices. The bill also establishes that if an electric company is found liable for damages in a wildfire-related civil action, they will also be responsible for any federal income tax liability incurred by plaintiffs from their settlement. Additionally, the bill mandates that the PUC commission a comprehensive third-party study on catastrophic wildfire risk and recovery, examining the economic, environmental, and community impacts of wildfires and developing policy recommendations. The study must provide an interim report to legislative committees during the 2026 regular session and propose a stakeholder process for developing potential legislation. The bill applies to wildfires ignited between January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2025, and includes a tax provision allowing taxpayers to subtract wildfire-related settlement amounts from their Oregon taxable income. Notably, the wildfire safety certification does not provide immunity from future damage claims, emphasizing the ongoing responsibility of electric companies to prevent and mitigate wildfire risks.
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
First reading. Referred to President's desk. (on 06/27/2025)
Official Document
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