California Lawmakers Strike Wildfire Deal that Leaves Out Most of Newsom’s Big Demands
- California's legislative session concluded with a deal rejecting Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed wildfire overhaul, filing SB 492 to establish a Fast Pay program instead of shifting financial burdens to insurance companies or limiting victim recovery rights.
- Wildfire survivors and various groups protested the governor's initial plan throughout the week, arguing it would have acted as a 'corporate bailout' by shielding utilities from liability for the deadly Eaton Fire.
- The legislation includes measures to curb executive bonuses at companies like Edison International if a fire damages 500 or more structures, while also banning hedge funds and private equity firms from profiting on wildfire insurance claims.
- Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court and Every Fire Survivor's Network director Joy Chen praised the legislature's refusal to shield utilities, calling the deal a 'remarkable display of courage' that protects survivors and consumers from costs.
- A 72-hour public notice requirement delayed the vote until Tuesday, as state leaders acknowledge this agreement is only a partial step toward the structural reform needed for long-term wildfire durability.
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Hastings Tribune
The Daily AdvanceSCE Calls for Comprehensive Wildfire Reform to Protect Communities and Keep Bills Affordable
ROSEMEAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 30, 2026-
California Lawmakers Block Newsom Plan to Limit Insurer Lawsuits Against Utilities Over Wildfires
Internewscast Journal Internewscast California legislators have turned aside Gov. Gavin Newsom’s bid to block insurance… This Post: California Lawmakers Block Newsom Plan to Limit Insurer Lawsuits Against Utilities Over Wildfires first appeared on Internewscast Journal
POLITICS: Common sense prevails in Sacramento wildfire deal
Common sense has prevailed in Sacramento, as Gavin Newsom has backed down from an effort to cap damages for wildfire victims — and to protect utility companies, who are among his donors. As The California Post reported, Gov. Newsom’s plan would have helped utility companies avoid having to pay large sums to wildfire victims and their insurance companies to compensate them for blazes started by their aging infrastructure. It was the governor’s la…
Facing protests, Newsom drops plan limiting utilities’ liability for wildfires
In a late-night deal with lawmakers, Gov. Gavin Newsom agreed to drop his push for legislation that would have shifted more of the cost of utility-sparked wildfires to property insurers, sharply raising premiums across California.
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