AK HB252

Electric utilities with a certificate of public convenience and necessity are shielded from civil liability for costs, property damage, death, or personal injury resulting from contact between vegetation and utility electrical facilities, with specific exceptions.

Liability protections do not apply when vegetation originates within the utility's property/easement/right-of-way, when the utility causes vegetation contact with facilities, or when the utility is working outside its designated boundaries.

Utilities with Department of Natural Resources-approved wildland fire mitigation plans who substantially comply with requirements receive a presumption of non-negligence and protection from punitive and noneconomic damages unless gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct is proven.

Electric utilities must adopt written wildland fire mitigation plans, updated annually, that assess fire risk, describe vegetation management procedures, establish protocols for power shutoffs during high-risk periods, and coordinate with fire response agencies.

High-risk fire assessments must be reported as emergencies to adjacent property owners/occupants and the commissioner of natural resources, with utilities required to act to eliminate or limit the identified risk.