California Sends AB 2700 to Newsom to Pursue Missing 30% in Camp Fire Restitution
Updated
Updated · KRCR · Sep 2
California Sends AB 2700 to Newsom to Pursue Missing 30% in Camp Fire Restitution
2 articles · Updated · KRCR · Sep 2
Summary
AB 2700 won final legislative approval and now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature, potentially advancing unpaid wildfire restitution for Camp Fire survivors in Paradise.
About 70% of approved Fire Victim Trust awards has been paid, leaving many survivors short the remaining 30% they say is critical to rebuilding homes, businesses and returning to the community.
If signed, the law would take effect in January and require the California Public Utilities Commission to report by Jan. 1, 2028 on verified restitution still owed for utility-caused wildfires before July 12, 2019.
The CPUC would also have to recommend timelines and benchmarks for full compensation, while barring utilities from passing restitution costs to ratepayers and requiring payments go directly to victims.
If the CPUC has until 2028 to finalize a payment plan, will Camp Fire survivors wait a decade to finally rebuild their lost homes?
With the Fire Victim Trust closing in late 2026, how will utilities find billions to pay remaining wildfire restitution without raising customer rates?