California lawmakers set to vote on scaled-back wildfire liability deal after Newsom proposal stalls

Updated on: August 31, 2026 / 10:11 PM PDT / CBS Sacramento California lawmakers are set to vote during a special session Tuesday on a scaled-back wildfire liability package after Gov. Gavin Newsom's push to shield utilities from some of the costs associated with fires sparked by their equipment failed to gain enough support. The latest proposal, Senate Bill 492 , focuses largely on speeding up payments to wildfire survivors and limiting some practices surrounding wildfire claims, while leaving in place insurers' ability to pursue utilities for losses tied to fires. The measure is expected to come before lawmakers for a final vote Tuesday morning, after the Legislature's scheduled end-of-session deadline Monday. Because SB 492 includes an urgency clause, lawmakers can vote on it after the regular session concludes.

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