Oregon legislation · 2026 Legislative Measures
Oregon SB1553: Relating to wildfires resulting from the fault of an electric company; declaring an emergency.
Status: Failed, March 6, 2026
Digest: Bans the recoupment of certain costs that a power company incurs from claims based on a wildfire. (Flesch Readability Score: 65.1). Prohibits an electric company from recovering from retail electricity consumers certain litigation or settlement costs or expenses if a court or jury finds that a wildfire resulted from the negligence or a higher degree of fault on the part of the electric company. Requires an electric company that has been found to be liable for damages in a civil action arising out of allegations that the conduct of the electric company caused or substantially contributed to a wildfire to establish and maintain a qualified escrow fund for the benefit of those persons to whom the electric company is found to be liable. Provides that an electric company that is found to be liable for damages in a civil action arising out of allegations that the conduct of the electric company caused or substantially contributed to a wildfire shall also be liable for any federal income tax liability that a plaintiff or class member owes or pays on amounts the plaintiff or class member receives in relation to the civil action. [ Provides jurisdiction to the Supreme Court to hear and determine all appeals from the circuit court in any civil action arising out of allegations that the conduct of the electric company caused or substantially contributed to a wildfire. ] Establishes the Wildfire Recovery Fund , to become operative January 1, 2027 . Directs that 60 percent of the punitive damages awarded in a civil action arising out of allegations that the conduct of the electric company caused or substantially contributed to a wildfire be deposited in the Wildfire Recovery Fund. Reserves the first $50 million deposited in the fund to be payable to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Account. Applies to wildfires ignited on or after January 1, 2020, and before January 1, 2025. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
What the bill says
A bill FOR AN ACT Relating to wildfires resulting from the fault of an electric company; and declaring an emergency.
From the engrossed text, February 19, 2026:
A BILL FOR AN ACT Relating to wildfires resulting from the fault of an electric company; and declaring an emergency. Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon: SECTION 1. Sections 2 and 3 of this 2026 Act are added to and made a part of ORS chapter 757. SECTION 2. Litigation-related costs and expenses. (1) As used in this section: (a) "Electric company" means an electric company, as defined in ORS 757.600, that serves more than 25,000 retail electricity consumers located in this state. (b) "Retail electricity consumer" has the meaning given that term in ORS 757.600. (2) If a court or jury finds that a wildfire resulted from the negligence or a higher degree of fault on the part of an electric company, the electric company may not recover from retail electricity consumers the following costs and expenses: (a) Costs and expenses that are, or are associated with, a civil judgment, civil fine or penalty or criminal fine or penalty that results from or is based on the finding that the wildfire resulted from the negligence or a higher degree of fault on the part of the electric company. matter [italic and bracketed] is existing law to be omitted. New sections are in boldfaced type. LC A-Eng. SB 1553 (b) More than one-half of the …
Sponsors
- Fred Girod (R, 9) · primary sponsor
- Floyd Prozanski (D, 4) · primary sponsor
- David Gomberg (D, 10) · primary sponsor
- Manning Jr., James (D, 7)
Latest actions
- : In committee upon adjournment.
- : Referred to Rules by order of the President.
- : Recommendation: Do pass with amendments and be referred to Rules. (Printed A-Eng.)
- : Work Session held.
- : Public Hearing held.
- : Referred to Judiciary.
- : Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.
Votes
- SJUD Committee Vote (February 16, 2026): 6 yea, 0 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is SB1553?
- SB1553 is a bill in the Oregon Legislature (2026 Legislative Measures): Relating to wildfires resulting from the fault of an electric company; declaring an emergency.
- What does SB1553 do?
- In its own words: A bill FOR AN ACT Relating to wildfires resulting from the fault of an electric company; and declaring an emergency.
- What is the status of SB1553?
- Failed as of March 6, 2026. Latest action: In committee upon adjournment. (March 6, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB1553?
- Fred Girod (R, 9), with 3 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB1553?
- On the Oregon Legislature website: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/1553
Source: official Oregon record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.