The Wildfire Utility Mitigation and Liability Act aims to enhance wildfire mitigation efforts by electric utilities in New Mexico by establishing a framework for the development and approval of wildfire mitigation plans by the Public Regulation Commission (PRC). These plans must encompass risk assessments, vegetation management, and emergency response procedures, with the PRC responsible for reviewing and certifying compliance. The bill also introduces a cost recovery mechanism for utilities to recoup reasonable expenses incurred during the implementation of these plans. Additionally, it limits liability for electric utilities in qualified wildfire civil actions, creating a rebuttable presumption that compliance with an approved plan indicates reasonable preparation for wildfire risks.

Furthermore, the legislation includes provisions for grants to cooperatives to support the implementation of mitigation plans, with a focus on projects that significantly reduce wildfire risks. It amends existing laws to exempt utilities operating under an approved mitigation plan from certain liabilities and establishes a requirement for responsible parties causing fire damage to pay double damages, except in cases of prescribed burns. The bill allocates $12.25 million from the general fund for various implementation purposes, including equipment purchases and grants, with specified effective dates for different sections of the act.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 30-32-4, 37-1-4