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Bill

Bill

SB 1201

RELATING TO WILDFIRES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jarrett Keohokalole and 1 co-sponsor

Bill SB 1201 creates a Wildfire Recovery Fund to provide immediate financial support for communities affected by wildfires, ensuring quicker recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1201

Summary of Bill SB 1201: Relating to Wildfires

Introduction

Bill SB 1201, introduced on January 17, 2025, aims to address the challenges posed by wildfires through the establishment of a Wildfire Recovery Fund and provisions for securitization. The bill has been reported from the Committees on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Energy (CPN) and Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology (EIG) with recommendations for passage and amendments.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SB 1201 is to create a structured financial mechanism to support wildfire recovery efforts. By establishing a Wildfire Recovery Fund, the bill seeks to ensure that resources are available for communities affected by wildfires, facilitating quicker recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Key Provisions

  • Wildfire Recovery Fund: The bill proposes the creation of a dedicated fund to support recovery efforts in areas impacted by wildfires. This fund would be financed through securitization, allowing for the issuance of bonds to raise capital for immediate recovery needs.

  • Securitization: The bill outlines the process for securitizing future revenue streams to generate upfront funding for wildfire recovery. This financial strategy aims to provide timely resources to affected communities without waiting for traditional budget allocations.

  • Amendments: The bill has been amended during the legislative process, although specific details of these amendments are not provided in the current summary.

Affected Parties

  • Communities: Residents and local governments in areas prone to wildfires will benefit from the establishment of the Wildfire Recovery Fund, which will provide essential resources for recovery efforts.

  • State Agencies: Various state agencies involved in disaster response and recovery will be impacted as they will be responsible for administering the funds and overseeing recovery projects.

  • Investors: The securitization aspect of the bill may attract investors interested in funding recovery efforts through bonds, potentially leading to new financial opportunities.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 17, 2025: Bill introduced.
  • January 21, 2025: Passed First Reading.
  • January 27, 2025: Referred to CPN/EIG and WAM.
  • February 6, 2025: Public hearing scheduled for February 11, 2025.
  • February 11, 2025:
    • CPN and EIG committees recommended the bill be passed with amendments.
    • The bill passed Second Reading and was referred to WAM.
  • February 14, 2025: Report adopted, and the bill passed Second Reading as amended (SD 1).

Related Legislation

  • HB 982: This bill is a companion measure to SB 1201, indicating that similar provisions may be considered in the House.

Conclusion

SB 1201 represents a proactive approach to wildfire recovery by establishing a financial framework to support affected communities. As it progresses through the legislative process, its implications for disaster recovery funding and community resilience will be closely monitored.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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