WHAT THE BILL WOULD DO

Sen. Bill Dodd’s SB 167 would require electrical utilities to prepare wildfire mitigation plans that include how to provide backup power for low-income and medically compromised people during temporary power shutoffs.

WHO SUPPORTS IT?

The state fire chiefs and the California Association of Counties supported the bill as a prudent backstop for vulnerable populations.

WHO’S OPPOSED?

The bill had no formal opposition.

WHY IT MATTERS

Utilities may cut off power in areas where there is acute fire danger. This measure would provide access to power during emergency outages for those who rely on life-support machines and other medical equipment.

GOVERNOR’S CALL

Newsom has made wildfire issues a priority. As expected, he signed this bill on Oct. 2, 2019.