California commission urges change in fire liability law

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A commission tasked with studying wildfire costs in California is stressing that lawmakers should change a state law that holds utilities financially liability for damage from wildfires.

But legislative leaders are continuing to cast doubt on any proposals that could be seen as bailing out bankrupt Pacific Gas & Electric Corp.

Democratic Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon says such a vote would make members “squeamish.”

The Commission on Catastrophic Wildfire Costs and Recovery discussed that and other recommendations Friday as it released a report on how the state should address wildfire costs.

Commission members say the current liability standard will lead to more utilities filing for bankruptcy.

California has experienced two of its deadliest and most destructive wildfire seasons ever in recent years.