California Democrats in the state Assembly are preparing to hammer out the details of a proposal to reshape the state’s system for covering the costs of wildfires sparked by power companies.
What happened: Six lawmakers have formed a working group to lead their caucus’ review of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) wildfire liability proposal. They are state Assemblymembers Lisa Calderon, Isaac Bryan, Rhodesia Ransom, Cottie Petrie-Norris, Ash Kalra and Steve Bennett, according to three people familiar with the move who were granted anonymity to disclose the private decision.
Why it matters: The formation of a working group signals that Assembly leadership is serious about engaging with Newsom’s push for reform on the issue.
Context: The working group members all chair committees on issues related to wildfire liability and energy. Calderon chairs Insurance, Bryan chairs Natural Resources, Ransom chairs Emergency Management, Petrie-Norris chairs Utilities and Energy, Kalra chairs Judiciary, and Bennett chairs the Budget subcommittee on the climate, natural resources, energy and transportation.
