SB1553Introduced in the Senate
Relating to wildfires resulting from the fault of an electric company; declaring an emergency.
Introduced by Fred Girod, District 9
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
Bans the recoupment of certain costs that a power company incurs from claims based on a wildfire. (Flesch Readability Score: 65.1). Prohibits an electric company from recovering from retail electricity consumers certain litigation or settlement costs or expenses if a court or jury finds that a wildfire resulted from the negligence or a higher degree of fault on the part of the electric company. Requires an electric company that has been found to be liable for damages in a civil action arising out of allegations that the conduct of the electric company caused or substantially contributed to a wildfire to establish and maintain a qualified escrow fund for the benefit of those persons to whom the electric company is found to be liable. Provides that an electric company that is found to be liable for damages in a civil action arising out of allegations that the conduct of the electric company caused or substantially contributed to a wildfire shall also be liable for any federal income tax liability that a plaintiff or class member owes or pays on amounts the plaintiff or class member receives in relation to the civil action. [Provides jurisdiction to the Supreme Court to hear and determine all appeals from the circuit court in any civil action arising out of allegations that the conduct of the electric company caused or substantially contributed to a wildfire.] Establishes the Wildfire Recovery Fund, to become operative January 1, 2027. Directs that 60 percent of the punitive damages awarded in a civil action arising out of allegations that the conduct of the electric company caused or substantially contributed to a wildfire be deposited in the Wildfire Recovery Fund. Reserves the first $50 million deposited in the fund to be payable to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Account. Applies to wildfires ignited on or after January 1, 2020, and before January 1, 2025. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
Where it stands
In committee upon adjournment.
March 6, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
SenateStage: Senate Committee Do pass with amendments and requesting referral to Rules. (Printed A-Engrossed.) · February 16, 2026
6
Yes
0
No
0
Absent or Not Voting
6 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Floyd Prozanski | 4 | Yes |
| James Manning | 7 | Yes |
| Sara Gelser Blouin | 8 | Yes |
| Kim Thatcher | 11 | Yes |
| Anthony Broadman | 27 | Yes |
| Mike McLane | 30 | Yes |
Bill history
Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.
Referred to Judiciary.
Public Hearing held.
Work Session held.
Recommendation: Do pass with amendments and be referred to Rules. (Printed A-Eng.)
Referred to Rules by order of the President.
In committee upon adjournment.
Verify the information
- Official page on the Oregon Legislature website
- Senate Committee On Judiciary Amendment #-3 (amendment)
- Open Government Impact (supplement)
- Preliminary SMS (supplement)
- Revenue Impact (supplement)
- Witness Registration (supplement)
- Preliminary SMS (supplement)
- Preliminary SMS (supplement)
- Fiscal Impact (supplement)
- Revenue Impact Statement (supplement)
- Fiscal Impact Statement (supplement)
- Preliminary SMS (supplement)
- Revenue Impact (supplement)
- Staff Summary (supplement)
- Open Government Impact (supplement)
- Introduced (text)
- Introduced (text)
- Engrossed (text)
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