Bill Redirecting Utility Fines from Butte Fire Flies out of Assembly Committee

On Monday, Assembly Bill 524, a measure by Assembly Member Frank Bigelow to aid with fire prevention and tree mortality efforts, passed unanimously out of the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee with no debate or hesitation from the Committee.  The bill, which was amended in Committee, will redirect fines paid by Pacific Gas & Electric for their culpability in the devastating 2015 Butte Fire to the State Responsibility Area Fund and the Tree Mortality Grant Program for use in much needed fire prevention and tree mortality mitigation projects.

The bill contains an urgency clause, which requires 2/3 approval, but will make it effective upon the Governor’s signature.  The bill now awaits hearing in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.