For thousands of people affected by Northern California wildfires, one question has lingered long after the flames went out: how much of what they lost would ever be paid back.
Many families who lost homes, businesses, and loved ones were pushed into settlements that did not fully cover their damages, the Press Democrat reported, but a bill signed on Sept. 30 by California Gov. Gavin Newsom aims to narrow that gap.
Here's what to know
The new law directs the California Public Utilities Commission to develop options for full restitution for people harmed by PG&E-caused wildfires from 2015 through 2018.
Those survivors include people affected by the 2015 Butte Fire, the 2017 North Bay firestorm, and the 2018 Camp Fire.
Combined, those disasters destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. The 2017 firestorm killed 40 people, and the Camp Fire killed 85.
Assembly Bill 2700 was driven largely by wildfire survivors. Will Abrams, who survived the 2017 Tubbs Fire and leads the Utility Wildfire Survivor Coalition, called the bill "a major win for wildfire survivors."
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"Importantly, AB 2700 changes the standard. Making victims whole means 100% compensation … and not forcing families and businesses and communities to absorb the financial consequences of utility-caused disasters," Abrams added.
More background
The aftermath of PG&E's bankruptcy defined much of the experience for many survivors.
When the utility filed for bankruptcy in 2019, fire victims were forced to seek recovery alongside major creditors, as state officials were also dealing with a broader crisis connected to the company's role in catastrophic fires.
About 70,000 claimants ultimately shared a settlement made up of cash and PG&E stock.
The payouts were spread over several years, and according to the report, one final small disbursement is expected in October.
The fund later climbed above its original value as PG&E stock recovered and shares were sold, but it still did not come close to covering the full losses.
Survivors remained short by an estimated $5 billion to $6 billion, leaving them with roughly 70% of their claims before substantial attorneys' fees.
What's being done?
The law requires the California Public Utilities Commission to lay out real ways to fully compensate survivors.
AB 2700 was first introduced by Assemblymember James Gallagher, a Republican from Yuba City, before he left the statehouse for Congress.
Assemblymember Joe Patterson, a Republican from Rocklin, later took over the bill, with co-sponsors including Assemblymember Chris Rogers, a Democrat from Santa Rosa who served on the city council during the 2017 Tubbs Fire.
Where can I learn more?
California's fight over wildfire compensation is part of a wider debate over insurance, utility liability, and fire policy. These articles look at how officials, insurers, and utilities are responding to the costs and fallout of major wildfires.
• California's FAIR Plan faced pressure to pay claims after catastrophic disasters as losses mounted statewide.
• A major insurer stopped offering coverage to new homeowners in California's fire-prone market.
• Oregon lawmakers moved to ban utility rate hikes linked to PacifiCorp wildfire lawsuits.
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