Story perspectives

California lawmakers oppose Newsom wildfire liability rewrite

8/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

California lawmakers oppose Governor Gavin Newsom's plan to rewrite wildfire liability for utilities.
The Democratic Senate proposal does not limit insurers from suing utilities for policyholder payouts.
Insurance industry warns limiting subrogation could raise homeowner premiums statewide by 10% to 20%.
PG&E CEO Patti Poppe warned that inaction could trigger credit-rating downgrades.
A coalition of survivors, insurers, consumer advocates, trial lawyers and groups calls the plan a utility bailout.

1 of 1

Story summary

California lawmakers oppose Governor Gavin Newsom's plan to rewrite wildfire liability for utilities.
The Democratic Senate proposal does not limit insurers from suing utilities for policyholder payouts.
Insurance industry warns limiting subrogation could raise homeowner premiums statewide by 10% to 20%.
PG&E CEO Patti Poppe warned that inaction could trigger credit-rating downgrades.
A coalition of survivors, insurers, consumer advocates, trial lawyers and groups calls the plan a utility bailout.