Should California utility companies be shielded from massive wildfire lawsuits when their equipment sparks deadly fires? Gov. Gavin Newsom is pushing a controversial proposal that could reshape who pays for the damage from future disasters.
Supporters say the plan would help prevent utility bankruptcies and get wildfire victims compensated faster. But critics warn it could shift more costs onto consumers through higher utility bills and rising home insurance premiums.
With lawmakers facing a fast-approaching deadline, the debate comes down to a critical question: when utility equipment causes a devastating wildfire, who should bear the financial burden? We break down what Newsom's proposal could mean for California families and their wallets.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Newsom pushes wildfire lawsuit limits for California utilities
