Sacramento is about to move fast on a deal that takes money away from wildfire survivors and pads the pockets of the for-profit utility companies.
Here's what's happening and how you can fight back.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN SACRAMENTO
The Legislature returns from recess this week for its final month of session. Behind closed doors, Governor Newsom's office and utility lobbyists are reportedly negotiating a last-minute deal that could:
- Limit what survivors can recover for their losses and make it harder to get legal representation.
- Shield utilities from paying the full cost of the fires they cause, shifting more of that burden onto insurance companies and policyholders.
- Make it harder for survivors to fight back if they're not satisfied with what they're offered.
- Protect the profits of the power utility companies at the expense of wildfire survivors.
No bill text has been made public. That's the point. This is the same "gut-and-amend" playbook utilities used last year with SB 254 — rewriting a bill in its final days and rushing it through before anyone can review it.
Fairness for Fire Victims started with PG&E wildfire survivors still owed the 30% they were never paid. As the for-profit power utilities have kept starting fires and shifting the cost to everyone but themselves, our fight has only grown. Every survivor of a utility-caused fire belongs in this coalition. Their priorities are profits. Ours are people.
TAKE ACTION
Your Toolkit to Get Involved
You don't need to be a policy expert to make a difference. Here's how you can help:
1. Email your legislator
Takes less than 2 minutes. Tell them to reject the utility bailout. CLICK HERE TO SEND AN EMAIL
2. Call legislative leadership
These are the people deciding whether this deal moves forward:
- Senate Pro Tem Monique Limón - (916) 651-4021
- Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas - (916) 319-2029
- Senator Josh Becker - (916) 651-4013
- Senator Henry Stern - (916) 651-4027
- Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry - (916) 319-2004
- Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris - (916) 319-2073
- Assemblymember Buffy Wicks - (916) 319-2014
- Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel - (916) 319-2046
Sample script: "Hi, my name is [your name] and I live in [city/zip]. The last-minute wildfire legislation puts profits over people. I'm asking you to protect wildfire survivors and stop the utility bailout. Thank you for your time."
If you'd like, tell them which fire affected you and which utility was responsible — it matters.
3. Call your own Senator and Assemblymember
Find Your Legislator Here
Sample script: "Hi, my name is [your name] and I'm a constituent in [city/zip]. I'm against the utility bailout and I'd like you to ask legislative leadership to stop this proposal."
4. Spread the word
Share this page with fellow survivors, friends, and family. The more voices legislators hear, the harder this is to ignore.
WANT TO DO MORE?
Become a Champion for Wildfire Survivors' Rights. Champions are survivors who go a step further — talking to press, meeting with legislators, joining a Sacramento lobby day, or sharing their story on video. No experience required. We'll train and support you every step of the way.
