This bill establishes requirements for public utilities in Wyoming to create and implement wildland fire protection plans. Each public utility must develop a plan that reflects its operational complexity and the fire risks in its service territory. The plan must include preventative measures, such as designating a responsible individual, identifying high-risk areas, conducting community outreach, and coordinating with relevant agencies. Additionally, the plan must outline mitigation and response measures, including monitoring weather conditions, inspecting infrastructure, and developing emergency response protocols. The public service commission will review and approve these plans, ensuring they align with public health and safety standards.
Furthermore, the bill introduces legal presumptions regarding liability for damages caused by wildfires. If a public utility's fire protection plan is approved, it is presumed to be a reasonable preparation for wildfire risk, and the utility is presumed to have responded appropriately to fire emergencies if it substantially followed the plan. The bill also sets limitations on damages recoverable in civil actions against public utilities, capping economic losses and excluding punitive damages unless the utility lacked an approved plan or was in noncompliance at the time of the fire. The act will take effect on July 1, 2025, with certain sections effective immediately upon the bill's passage.