Bill > HB252

This bill modifies existing Alaska law to establish new rules regarding the liability of electric utilities for fires caused by contact between vegetation and their facilities, and to mandate the creation of wildland fire mitigation plans. Specifically, it generally shields electric utilities from liability for damages, injuries, or deaths resulting from vegetation contacting their electrical facilities, unless the vegetation is on the utility's property or within an area covered by a wildland fire mitigation plan, or if the utility causes the contact while working outside its designated areas. The bill also clarifies that utilities are not liable for removing vegetation when done according to a wildland fire mitigation plan or on their own property. Furthermore, it requires electric utilities to develop and annually update comprehensive written wildland fire mitigation plans, which must be approved by the Department of Natural Resources, detailing how they will manage vegetation, assess fire risks, and respond to potential fire threats to ensure the safety and reliability of their electrical services. This new liability protection and mitigation plan requirement will apply to lawsuits filed on or after the bill's effective date, based on actions occurring on or after that date.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB252