TX SB2025

Requires electric utilities and electric cooperatives with transmission or distribution facilities in wildfire risk areas to file wildfire mitigation plans with the Public Utility Commission, covering facility inspections, vegetation management, operations plans, system restoration procedures, and community outreach

Provides an affirmative defense to civil liability for utilities with commission-approved wildfire mitigation plans, shielding them from damages for wildfires ignited or spread by their facilities unless a court finds they acted intentionally, recklessly, or with negligence

Expands electric utility self-insurance options to include potential damages from personal injury or property loss caused by wildfires, in addition to existing coverage for catastrophic property losses

Allows self-insurance plans when commercial insurance is insufficient, unavailable at reasonable premiums, or costlier than self-insurance, but prohibits self-insurance coverage for damages from wildfires caused intentionally, recklessly, or with gross negligence

Requires the Public Utility Commission to issue decisions on wildfire mitigation plans within 60 days and adopt implementing rules within 180 days of the Act's effective date