California Lawmakers Back Wildfire Compromise to Speed Victim Payments

California lawmakers are poised to vote on a wildfire liability compromise that prioritizes faster payments for victims but leaves unresolved the larger question of who bears the financial burden for utility-caused blazes. The bill, expected to pass on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, comes after legislators rejected key components of Governor Gavin Newsom’s broader proposal aimed at stabilizing the state’s wildfire fund and electricity rates. The compromise legislation focuses on immediate relief for survivors.