Governor signs Rep. Tom Dent’s wildfire safety bill into law
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Governor signs Rep. Tom Dent’s wildfire safety bill into law
A bill sponsored by Rep. Tom Dent to improve wildfire preparedness and safety was signed into law on Thursday by Gov. Bob Ferguson. House Bill 1522 focuses on making sure regulated electric utilities have a clear, reviewed, and approved plan for reducing wildfire risks.
“This bill builds on what we’ve already been doing,” said Dent, R-Moses Lakes. “A few years back, we passed a bill that allowed utilities to put together wildfire mitigation plans—to clear brush, cut down hazard trees, and reduce fuel loads. And that’s been working. But now we’re taking it a step further.”
House Bill 1522 requires regulated utilities to submit their wildfire mitigation plans to the state Utilities and Transportation Commission for review and approval. In other words, plans can’t just sit on a shelf—there needs to be real oversight, public input, and accountability. The UTC will be responsible for deciding if the plans are effective, fair, and won’t unnecessarily drive up costs for customers.
“What we’re doing here is saying, ‘Let’s all get on the same page,’” Dent continued. “Let’s make sure these plans aren’t just talked about—but actually get looked at, approved, and put into action.”
The need for stronger utility wildfire planning has grown in the wake of deadly fires like the one in Paradise, California, where a downed power line and overgrown vegetation led to one of the worst wildfire disasters in U.S. history. Dent says those kinds of fires show the importance of proactive work.
“You can’t have a catastrophic wildfire without a big fuel load,” Dent added. “If we clean that up—if we manage the land around these power lines—we’ve got a better shot at keeping small fires from turning into disasters.”
The bill also tasks the UTC with adopting rules related to vegetation management, safety shutoffs, and public engagement. Utilities will also have to share their plans with the Department of Natural Resources and other wildfire prevention groups, making them available to the public for greater transparency.
House Bill 1522 goes into effect 90 days after adjournment of the 2025 legislative session, which concludes on April 27.
