Vote "Green" on HB490

House Bill 490, MECA's top priority bill in the Legislative Session, is scheduled for a 2nd reading vote in the House tomorrow (Monday) afternoon.

Please contact your representative as soon as possible and encourage them to vote "GREEN" on HB490.

MT2025HB 490

Revise civil liability laws

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(H) Returned from Enrolling

House • Apr 23, 2025

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HB0490_X

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Your Message to the legislators

Dear (name and title inserted automatically),

HB490 is scheduled for 2nd reading on the House floor Monday afternoon. This is a bill drafted by Montana's electric cooperatives and regulated utilities to reduce fire risk in Montana and prevent California's strict wildfire liability standard from taking root in Montana.

Strict liability means a utility is automatically liable for any wildfire, even if they didn’t start the fire and weren’t negligent. The California strict liability standard led to more than a billion dollars in damages against a utility in that state, requiring it to declare bankruptcy and lay off thousands of employees.

We can't let that happen in Montana. Co-ops and regulated utilities have an obligation to serve. Many insurance companies will no longer provide coverage in wildfire prone areas like Montana and those that do increased their rates and reduced coverage. Increased rates impact the member-owners of electric cooperatives and the ratepayers of regulated utilities. Unreasonable court judgments and increased insurance rates would significantly impact the ability of co-ops to provide affordable and reliable electricity across the state.

The bill also requires co-ops and regulated utilities to implement wildfire mitigation plans, including regular facility inspections and maintenance; vegetation management; coordination with federal, tribal, state, and local governments; public communication; and more.

The bill had a 16-4 vote in the House Judiciary Committee with strong bipartisan support.

This bill is vital to the electric cooperatives and regulated utilities that provide electricity to residences, landowners, ag-producers, and businesses throughout the state.

Please vote "Green."