A proposal to shield Arizona utilities from some wildfire-related lawsuits has divided both parties as it advances through the state Legislature.
At stake is who pays for wildfire damages and the continued flow of electricity.
With utilities risking billions of dollars in potential liabilities if their equipment ignites a wildfire, Arizona lawmakers are struggling to avoid or limit price spikes to power bills, insurance or both.
H.B. 2201 aims to make it more difficult to sue utilities for damage caused by wildfires started by their equipment. It also would require utilities to submit fire mitigation plans every two years.