ID S1183

Electric utilities classified as public utilities must file wildfire mitigation plans with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission for review and approval; cooperative associations and municipal systems may voluntarily file plans and pay reasonable review fees

Wildfire mitigation plans must identify heightened fire risk areas, preventative programs, community outreach efforts, coordination with government agencies, line design methods, weather monitoring procedures, and standards for asset inspection, power line de-energization, and vegetation management

The Commission must approve or reject plans within 6 months after notice and comment, consulting with the state forester, cities, counties, fire districts, and timber protection associations; state forester recommendations on vegetation management are presumed reasonable

Electric corporations with approved plans receive a rebuttable presumption of non-negligence in civil wildfire damage lawsuits if they reasonably implemented the plan; civil remedies under the act become the exclusive remedy for wildfire-related damages

Utilities may access private land or government easements for vegetation management and fire mitigation work after 30 days if access is denied or no response is received following proper notice; the act takes effect July 1, 2025