Bill > HR4194

This bill aims to provide liability protection for manufacturers of critical infrastructure equipment in the event of wildfire incidents. Specifically, the bill would make these manufacturers immune from lawsuits under both federal and state laws for losses caused by wildfires, with one key exception: if the manufacturer can be proven to have engaged in willful misconduct during the design or production of their equipment. The bill defines "critical infrastructure" using a definition from the USA PATRIOT Act, which typically refers to essential systems and assets like energy, communications, transportation, and water infrastructure. The term "manufacturer" is defined according to the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022, referring to entities within the critical manufacturing sector. The bill's rationale, as stated in its findings, is that the manufacture of critical infrastructure is necessary for maintaining secure, functioning, and resilient systems. By limiting legal liability, the bill seeks to protect manufacturers from potentially costly lawsuits arising from wildfire-related damages, while still maintaining a mechanism to hold them accountable for intentional or grossly negligent actions.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4194/all-info