CA AB281

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to mandate electrical corporations develop and administer programs replacing overhead electric facilities with underground facilities in high fire threat districts.

Programs apply to electric facilities along public streets and roads, and on public or private properties in areas designated as high fire threat districts by the commission.

Implements undergrounding as part of the existing Electric Rule 20 program operated by the commission.

Eliminates prior provisions requiring Judicial Council to adopt expedited court procedures for CEQA challenges to fire hardening projects (removed in amendments).

Specifies no state reimbursement required because costs will result from creation of new criminal violations under Public Utilities Act.