TX HB145

Electric utilities, municipally owned utilities, and electric cooperatives with transmission or distribution facilities in wildfire risk areas must file wildfire mitigation plans with the Public Utility Commission, including vegetation management plans, operations plans to reduce ignition likelihood, procedures for de-energizing power lines, community outreach plans, and independent expert analysis

The commission must approve, modify, or reject wildfire mitigation plans within 180 days of filing based on public interest; failure to implement an approved plan subjects utilities to administrative penalties

Utilities with commission-approved wildfire mitigation plans may use the plan as evidence in lawsuits for wildfire damages and are not liable for wildfire damages if they implemented the approved plan, were in compliance with relevant measures, and did not cause the fire intentionally, recklessly, or negligently

Electric utilities may self-insure for wildfire-related property losses and personal injury/property damage liability when commercial insurance is insufficient, unavailable at reasonable premiums, or more costly than self-insurance; self-insurance is prohibited for wildfires caused intentionally, recklessly, or with gross negligence

The Public Utility Commission must adopt implementing rules within 180 days of the effective date; the liability provisions apply only to causes of action accruing after the act takes effect (immediately upon two-thirds vote or September 1, 2025)