The California Assembly unanimously passed AB 2700, a bill aimed at addressing compensation shortfalls for victims of utility-caused wildfires before July 2019. Key facts: The bill requires the CPUC to issue a report assessing restitution gaps and recommend mechanisms for energy companies to fully compensate victims without shifting costs to ratepayers.
It was introduced by Assembly member James Gallagher, whose district includes Paradise, site of the 2018 Camp Fire. The Fire Victim Trust paid out $14 billion, still $6 billion short of what was owed, covering only 70% of claims.
The legislation now moves to the state Senate for further consideration.