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, ensuring the safe and reliable generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power while addressing wildfire risks. Electric corporations classified as public utilities are required to adopt and file these plans with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission for review and approval. The plans must include strategies for mitigating wildfire risks, community outreach efforts, and coordination with various agencies, and they must be updated at least every three years.

Additionally, the bill outlines the legal implications of compliance with these wildfire mitigation plans. Electric corporations that substantially comply with their approved plans are granted liability protections against civil actions related to unplanned fires, provided their actions do not constitute intentional misconduct. The bill also specifies that if access to necessary rights-of-way is denied, the corporation cannot be held liable for damages resulting from their inability to perform required vegetation management or infrastructure upgrades. The legislation declares an emergency, making it effective from July 1, 2025.