HB490

Revise civil liability laws

Complete·5/13/25

Montana HB490 revises civil liability laws for electric facilities providers regarding wildfires.

Montana HB490 revises civil liability laws for electric facilities providers, including regulated utilities and electric cooperatives, concerning wildfires. The bill allows electric facilities providers to submit wildfire mitigation plans to the Public Service Commission or their governing bodies for approval. These plans must detail strategies to mitigate wildfire risks, including vegetation management and de-energizing power lines. The bill sets a standard of care for electric facilities providers, protecting them from strict liability for wildfires caused by factors beyond their control.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Sponsors

0
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

99 Yea

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0 Nay

1 Absent

R

Calendar

Mar 26, 2025

8:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

Feb 19, 2025

8:00 AM

House Judiciary Hearing

History

May 19, 2025

House

Chapter Number Assigned

May 13, 2025

House

(H) Signed by Governor

May 7, 2025

Senate

(S) Signed by President