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.
25 Articles
25 Articles
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.
PG&E Statement on Senate Bill 492
OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today released a statement on Senate Bill 492. “On Saturday, the California Legislature amended Senate Bill 492 to address the state’s wildfire risk reduction and recovery framework. While the proposed legislation would make some progress in helping wildfire survivors recover and strengthening …
Among other things, the bill aims to speed up the payment of compensation to those affected. Newsom, however, urges more far-reaching reforms.
How California lawmakers and Gov. Newsom plan to change payouts when a utility starts a wildfire
California lawmakers and the governor this weekend agreed to make some changes to the state's wildfire liability system and how it handles payouts when an investor owned utility company causes a catastrophic fire, an issue that could have an impact on utility ratepayers across the state.
This article was originally published on Cedarnews.net. For more news and exclusive reports, visit our website. Newsom, Lawmakers Reach Last-Minute Deal on Wildfire Fallout. Wildfire: The initial report was published by KQED about 20 minutes ago. Additional information verified. This news was published on the Cedarnews website. For more breaking news and exclusive reports, visit our official website.
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