AZ HB2201

Establishes wildfire mitigation planning requirements for public power entities and electric utilities in Arizona, requiring submission of plans to governing bodies and state forester by May 1, 2026 and every even-numbered year thereafter.

Public power entities with 40,000 or more meters must submit plans to both their governing body and state forester for approval; smaller entities with fewer than 40,000 meters may submit to both but are exempt if they do not.

Electric utilities acting in compliance with approved wildfire mitigation plans are deemed to meet the standard of care for a reasonably prudent utility and are protected from liability except in cases of willful, intentional or reckless misconduct.

Utilities cannot be held liable for wildfire ignition from sources outside their control (lightning, third-party actions) or for vegetation risks outside their right-of-way where access was delayed or denied beyond their reasonable control.

State forester must review and approve plans within 120 days; plans are deemed administratively approved if no further information is requested, and remain approved during any judicial challenges to the approval decision.