Bill > SB161

This bill, the Wildfire Utility Mitigation and Liability Act, establishes a framework for electric utilities to proactively reduce wildfire risks and outlines limitations on their liability in cases where their equipment may cause fires. Key provisions include requiring electric utilities to develop and submit wildfire mitigation plans to the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) for approval, detailing their strategies for assessing risk, managing vegetation, inspecting infrastructure, and coordinating with emergency responders. Utilities that demonstrate substantial compliance with an approved plan will receive a certificate of compliance, which creates a presumption of reasonable preparation in civil lawsuits. The bill also allows utilities to recover the costs associated with implementing these mitigation plans through a special charge on customer bills, known as a rider, and establishes a one-year statute of limitations for wildfire civil actions against utilities. Furthermore, it amends existing laws to create exceptions for damages awarded for starting fires and for personal injury claims in certain wildfire-related civil actions, and it provides grants to electric cooperatives to help them implement their mitigation plans. The bill also makes appropriations to the PRC and the forestry division for their roles in implementing these new provisions.

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=161&year=26