Legislation Aimed At Helping PG&E Fire Victims

Northstate Assemblyman James Gallagher has introduced legislation aimed at helping victims of destructive fires caused by PG&E.

AB 1249 would exempt survivors from paying California taxes on settlements from PG&E’s Fire Victims Trust. The trust was created to compensate survivors of the 2018 Camp Fire, the 2017 North Bay fires and the 2015 Butte Fire.

If signed into law, Gallagher says the legislation would ensure that victims receive a full settlement from PG&E.

AB 1249 is a straightforward fix that would clarify state tax exemption criteria for victims of three of the most destructive fire in California’s history,” the Republican assemblyman said in a statement issued Friday. “Victims deserve to receive the maximum amount of compensation from PG&E for the tremendous pain and suffering the company has caused.

The legislation, announced by Gallagher, is co-authored by State Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), Senator Brian Dahle (R-Bieber), Assemblywoman Megan Dahle (R-Bieber), Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) and Assemblyman Frank Bigelow (R-Madera).

By Austin Herbaugh @ KRCR