BILL NUMBER: SB 1463	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Moorlach

                        FEBRUARY 19, 2016

   An act to add Section 761.2 to the Public Utilities Code, relating
to electrical lines.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 1463, as introduced, Moorlach. Electrical lines: mitigation of
wildfire risks.
   The California Constitution establishes the Public Utilities
Commission, authorizes the commission to establish rules for all
public utilities, subject to control by the Legislature, and
authorizes the Legislature, unlimited by the other provisions of the
California Constitution, to confer additional authority and
jurisdiction upon the commission that is cognate and germane to the
regulation of public utilities. The Public Utilities Act provides the
commission with broad authority over public utilities, including
electrical corporations. Existing law establishes standards that are
applicable to any person, as defined, to run, place, erect, or
maintain wires or cables used to conduct electricity and requires the
commission to enforce these provisions. Pursuant to its existing
authority, the commission has adopted rules for the construction of
electrical lines and the trimming of trees near electrical lines.
    Except as specified, existing provisions of the Public Resources
Code require any person that owns, controls, operates, or maintains
any electrical transmission or distribution line upon any
mountainous, forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land to
maintain a clearance in all directions between all vegetation and all
conductors that are carrying electric current, as prescribed.
   This bill would require the commission, in consultation with the
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, to prioritize areas in
which communities are at risk from the consequences of wildfires when
determining areas in which it will require enhanced mitigation
measures for wildfire hazards posed by overhead electrical lines and
equipment.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 761.2 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to
read:
   761.2.  In determining areas in which to require enhanced
mitigation measures for wildfire hazards posed by overhead electrical
lines and equipment, the commission, in consultation with the
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, shall prioritize areas in
which communities are at risk from the consequences of wildfires.