California lawmakers stall Newsom’s wildfire liability bill, saying it doesn’t go far enough for victims

The California Assembly opted not to vote Tuesday on legislation meant to help wildfire victims, deciding at the last minute to push back a decision on a bill that some Democrats, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, said wouldn’t meaningfully address the financial challenges caused by catastrophic blazes.

Lawmakers introduced the legislation over the weekend after they rejected an ambitious proposal by Newsom that would have limited electric companies’ financial liability for fires sparked by their equipment.

After deciding not to vote Tuesday, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas said lawmakers would revisit the issue this fall.

“The proposal before us does not yet deliver the relief, accountability or meaningful reform that Californians deserve,” the Democrat said in a statement. “So, we are going back to work — and we will not stop until we have done everything in our power to deliver real results.”

Newsom’s plan would have reduced the amount utilities had to pay some victims and barred insurance companies from suing electrical companies to get reimbursed for damages paid out to homeowners.

The governor said the last-minute compromise he made with lawmak...