The proposed bill introduces a new chapter, Chapter 18, to Title 61 of the Idaho Code, titled the "Wildfire Standard of Care Act." This legislation aims to establish a framework for electric corporations to develop and implement wildfire mitigation plans, which are essential for minimizing wildfire risks associated with electric power generation, transmission, and distribution. The bill mandates that public utility electric corporations file these plans with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission for review and approval, ensuring that they are tailored to the specific risks and operational complexities of each corporation. The plans must include strategies for risk mitigation, community outreach, coordination with various agencies, and regular updates every three years.

Additionally, the bill outlines the legal implications of compliance with these wildfire mitigation plans. It provides liability protections for electric corporations that substantially comply with their approved plans, shielding them from civil liability for damages resulting from unplanned fires unless there is evidence of intentional misconduct. The legislation also addresses scenarios where access to rights-of-way is denied, stating that corporations will not be held liable for damages caused by their inability to perform necessary vegetation management or infrastructure upgrades due to such denials. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective from July 1, 2025.