Oregon, Arizona Bills Propose Utility Legal Protections, Wildfire Standards

House Bill 3666, proposed in Oregon, aims to establish minimum wildfire prevention standards for electric utilities, offering them immunity from lawsuits if their equipment causes fires, according to critics including the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association. Proponents, such as Rep. Pam Marsh, argue that the bill would create safer communities and help utilities manage legal risks. However, opponents warn that it could serve as a 'get-out-of-jail-free card' for large utilities, leaving consumers liable for damages. In Arizona, a similar bill passed the House, providing utilities with protections from lawsuits while requiring them to submit wildfire mitigation plans. Changes to the Arizona legislation removed provisions that would have further shielded utilities from accountability for negligence, raising constitutional concerns regarding victims' rights to sue. Both states highlight ongoing tensions between utility companies' liability and wildfire prevention efforts amid growing concerns over climate-related fire risks.